LIBRARY  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


PRINCETON,    N.    J. 


Division. 
Section... 


) 


THE 

DIRECTORY 

FOR    THE 

Publick    Worship    of   GOD, 

Agreed  upon  by  the 

Assembly    of  DIVINES 

A  T 

W  E  S  T  M I N  S  T  E  R, 

With  the  Assistance  of 

COMMISSIONERS 

FROM     THE 

Church  of  SCOTLAND, 

A  S 

A  Part  of  the  Covenanted  Uniformity  in  Reli- 
gion betwixt  the  Churches  of  C  H  R  I  S  T  in  the 
Kingdoms  of  Scotland,  England  and  Ireland. 

WITH 

An  Act  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment, both  in  Anno  1645,  Approving  and  Establish- 
ing the  said  Directory. 

1  Cor.  xiv.  48.  Let  all  Things  be  done  decently,  and  in  Order. 
Ver.  26.  Let  all  Things  be  done  to  Edifying. 

PHILADELPHIA: 
Printed   by    B.    FRANKLIN,     M,dcc,xlv. 


Reprinted  for 
ROBERT  LENOX   KENNEDY, 

NEW-YORK  :    M.DCCC.LXXX. 


3 
Charles  I.   Pari.  3.   Sess.  5. 

An  Act  of  the  Parliament  of  the  Kingdom  of  Scotland, 
Approving  and  Establishing  the  Directory  for  Pub  lick 
Worship. 

At  Edinburgh,  February  6.    1645. 

TH  E  Estates  of  Parliament  now  conveened,  in  the  second  Session  of 
this  first  Triennial  Parliament,  by  virtue  of  the  last  Act  of  the 
last  Parliament,  holclen  by  his  Majesty,  and  the  three  Estates,  in  Anno 
1641  :  After  Publick  Reading,  and  serious  Consideration  of  the  Act 
underwritten  of  the  general  Assembly,  approving  the  following  Direc- 
tory for  the  publick  Worship  of  God  in  the  Three  Kingdoms,  lately 
united  by  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  together  with  the  Ordi- 
nance of  the  Parliament  of  England  establishing  the  said  Directory,  and 
the  Directory  itself;  do  heartily  and  chearfully  agree  to  the  said  Direc- 
tory, according  to  the  Act  of  the  General  Assembly  approving  the 
same.  Which  Act,  together  with  the  Directory  itself,  the  Estates  of 
Parliament  do,  without  a  contrary  Voice,  ratify  and  approve  in  all  the 
Heads  and  Articles  thereof;  and  do  interpone  and  add  the  Authority  of 
Parliament  to  the  said  Act  of  the  General  Assembly.  And  do  ordain 
the  same  to  have  the  Strength  and  Force  of  a  Daw  and  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment, and  Execution  to  pass  thereupon,  for  observing  the  said  Direc- 
tory, according  to  the  said  Act  of  the  General  Assembly  in  all  Points. 

Alex,  Gibson,  Cler.  Registri. 


Assembly  at  EDINBURGH,  February  3.  1645.  Sess.  10. 

Act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Kirk  of  Scotland,  for  the 
Establishing  and  putting  in  Execution  of  the  Directory  for 
the  publick  Worship  of  God. 

WHereas  an  happy  Unity,  and  Uniformity  in  Religion  amongst  the 
Kirks  of  Christ,  in  these  Three  Kingdoms,  united  under  one  So- 
vereign, hath  been  long  and  earnestly  wished  for.  by  the  Godly  and 
Well- affected  amongst  us,  was  propounded  as  a  main  Article  of  the  large 
Treaty,  without  which  Band  and  Bulwark,  no  safe,  well  grounded  and 
lasting  Peace,  could  be  expected  ;  and  afterward,  with  greater  Strength 
and  Maturity,  revived  in  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  of  the  Three 
Kingdoms;  whereby  they  stand  straitly  obliged  to  endeavour  the  nearest 
Uniformity  in  one  Form  of  Church-Government,  Directory  of  Worsliip, 
Confession  of  Faith  ;  and  Form  of  Catechising  :  Which  hath  also 
before,  and  since  our  Entring  into  that  Covenant,  been  the  Matter  of 
many  Supplications  and  Remonstrances,  and  sending  Commissioners  to 
the  King's  Majesty,  of  Declarations  to  the  Honourable  Houses  of  the 

Parliament 


Parliament  of  England,  and  of  Letters  to  the  Reverend  Assembly  of 
Divines,  and  others  of  the  Ministry  of  the  Kirk  of  England ;  being  also 
the  End  of  our  sending  Commissioners,  as  was  desired,  from  this  Kirk, 
with  Commission  to  treat  of  Uniformity  in  the  four  Particulars  afore- 
mentioned, with  such  Committees  as  should  be  appointed  by  both 
Houses  of  the  Parliament  of  England,  and  by  the  Assembly  of  Divines 
sitting  at  Westminster :  And  beside  all  this,  it  being  in  Point  of  Con- 
science, the  chief  Motive  and  End  of  our  adventuring  upon  manifold  and 
great  Hazards,  for  quenching  the  devouring  Flame  of  the  present  un- 
natural and  bloody  War  in  England,  though  to  the  Weakening  of  this 
Kingdom  within  itself,  and  the  advantage  of  the  Enemy  which  hath  in- 
vaded it.  accounting  nothing  too  dear  to  us,  so  that  this  our  Joy  be  ful- 
filled. And  now  this  great  Work  being  so  far  advanced,  that  a  Direc- 
tory for  the  publick  Worship  of  God  in  all  the  Three  Kingdoms,  being 
agreed  upon  by  the  Honourable  Houses  of  the  Parliament  of  England, 
after  Consultation  with  the  Divines  of  both  Kingdoms  there  assembled, 
and  sent  to  us  for  our  Approbation,  that  being  also  agreed  upon  by  this 
Kirk,  and  Kingdom  of  Scotland,  it  may  be  in  the  Name  of  both  King- 
doms presented  to  the  King,  for  his  Royal  Consent  and  Ratification  : 
The  General  Assembly  having  most  seriously  considered,  revised,  and 
examined  the  Directory  afore-mentioned,  after  several  publick  Readings 
of  it,  after  much  Deliberation,  both  publickly,  and  in  private  Commit- 
tees, after  full  Liberty  given  to  all  to  object  against  it,  and  earnest  Invi- 
tations of  all  who  have  any  Scruples  about  it,  to  make  known  the  same 
that  they  might  be  satisfied  :  Doth  unanimously,  and  without  a  contrary 
Voice,  agree  to,  and  approve  the  following  Directory,  and  all  the  Heads 
thereof,  together  with  the  Preface  set  before  it  :  And  doth  Require, 
Decern,  and  Ordain,  That  according  to  the  plain  Tenor  and  Meaning 
thereof,  and  the  Intent  of  the  Preface,  it  be  carefully  and  uniformly 
observed  and  practised  by  all  the  Ministers  and  others  within  this  King- 
dom, whom  it  doth  concern  ;  which  Practice  shall  be  begun,  upon  Inti- 
mation given  to  the  several  Presbyteries,  from  the  Commissioners  of  this 
General  Assembly,  who  shall  also  take  special  Care  for  the  timeous 
Printing  of  this  Directory,  that  a  printed  Copy  of  it  be  provided  and 
kept  for  the  Use  of  every  Kirk  in  this  Kingdom  ;  Also,  that  each  Pres- 
bytery have  a  printed  Copy  thereof  for  their  Use,  and  take  special 
Notice  of  the  Observation  or  Neglect  thereof,  in  every  Congregation 
within  their  Bounds,  and  make  known  the  same  to  the  Provincial  or 
General  Assembly,  as  there  shall  be  Cause.  Provided  always,  that  the 
Clause  in  the  Directory,  of  the  Administration  of  the  LORD'S  Sup- 
per, which  mentioneth  the  Communicants  sitting  about  the  Table,  or  at 
it,  be  not  interpreted,  as  if,  in  the  Judgment  of  this  Kirk,  it  were  indif- 
ferent, and  free  for  any  of  the  Communicants,  not  to  come  to,  and 
receive  at  the  Table  ;  or  as  if  we  did  approve  the  Distributing  of  the 
Elements  by  the  Minister  to  each  Communicant,  and  not  by  the  Com- 
municants among  themselves.  It  is  also  provided,  That  this  shall  be  no 
Prejudice  to  the  Order  and  Practice  of  this  Kirk,  and  such  Particulars 
as  are  appointed  by  the  Books  of  Discipline,  and  Acts  of  General  Assem- 
blies, and  are  not  otherwise  ordered  and  appointed  in  the  Directory. 

Finally,   The   Assembly  doth,  with  much   Joy  and  Thankfulness,  ac- 
knowledge the  rich  Blessing  and  invaluable  Mercy  of  God,  in  bringing 

H  h  3  the 


the  so  much  wished-for  Uniformity  in  Religion  to  such  a  happy  Period, 
that  these  Kingdoms,  once  at  so  great  a  Distance  in  the  Form  of  Wor- 
ship, are  now  by  the  Blessing  of  God  brought  to  a  nearer  Uniformity 
than  any  other  Reformed  Kirks;  which  is  unto  us  the  Return  of  our 
Prayers,  and  a  Lightning  of  our  Eyes,  and  Reviving  of  our  Hearts,  in 
the  Midst  of  our  many  Sorrows  and  Sufferings  ;  a  taking  away,  in  a 
great  Measure,  the  Reproach  of  the  People  of  God,  to  the  stopping  of 
the  Mouths  of  malignant  and  disaffected  Persons;  and  an  opening  unto 
us  a  Door  of  Hope,  that  God  hath  yet  Thoughts  of  Peace  towards  us, 
and  not  of  Evil,  to  give  us  an  expected  End  :  In  the  Expectation  and 
Confidence  whereof,  we  do  rejoice,  beseeching  the  Lord  to  preserve  these 
Kingdoms  from  Heresies,  Schisms,  Offences,  Profanencss,  and  whatso- 
ever is  contrary  to  sound  Doctrine,  and  the  Power  of  Godliness;  and  to 
continue  with  us,  and  the  Generations  following,  these  his  pure  and 
purged  Ordinances,  together  with  an  Increase  of  the  Power  and  Life 
thereof,  to  the  Glory  of  his  great  Name,  the  Enlargement  of  the  King- 
dom of  Ins  Son,  the  Corroboration  of  Peace  and  Love  between  the 
Kingdoms,  the  Unity  and  Comfort  of  all  his  People,  and  our  Edifying 
one  another  in  Love. 


THE 


CONTENTS 


n^HE  Preface. 

Of  the  Assembling  of  the  Congregation. 
Of  publick  Reading  of  the  Holy  Scripture. 
Of  pub  lick  Prayer  before  the  Sermon. 
Of  Preaching  of  the    Word. 
Of  Prayer  after  Sermon. 
Of  the  Sacrament  of  Baptism. 
Of  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
Of  the  Sanctifi cation  of  the  Lord s  Day. 
Of  the  Solemnization  of  Marriage. 
Of  the    Visitation  of  the  Sick. 
Of  Burial  of  the  Dead. 
Of  publick  solemn  Fasting. 

Of  the  Observation  of  Days  of  publick  Thanksgiving. 
Of  Singing  of  Psalms. 
An  Appendix  touching  Days  and  Places  of  publick  Worship. 

THE 


THE 

DIRECTORY 

FOR    THE 

Publick  Worship  of  GOD, 

Agreed  upon  by  the  Assembly  of  Divines  at  West- 
minster ;  examined  and  approved,  Anno  1645, 
by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church 
of  SCOTLAND;  and  ratified  by  Act  of 
Parliament  the  same  Year. 

The    P  R  E  F  A  C  E. 

IN  the  Beginning  of  the  Blessed  Reformation,  our  wise 
and  pious  Ancestors  took  Care  to  set  forth  an  Order 
for  Redress  of  many  Things,  which  they  then,  by  the 
Word,  discovered  to  be  Vain,  Erroneous,  Superstitious, 
and  Idolatrous,  in  the  publick  Worship  of  God.  This  occa- 
sioned many  godly  and  learned  Men  to  rejoice  much  in  the 
Book  of  Common-Prayer,  at  that  Time  set  forth  ;  because 
the  Mass,  and  the  Rest  of  the  Latin  Service  being  removed, 
the  publick  Worship  was  celebrated  in  our  own  Tongue  ; 
many  of  the  common  People  also  received  Benefit  by  hear- 
ing the  Scriptures  read  in  their  own  Language,  which  for- 
merly were  unto  them  as  a  Book  that  was  sealed. 

Howbeit,  long  and  sad  Experience  hath  made  it  manifest, 
That  the  Liturgy  used  in  the  Church  of  England  (notwith- 
standing all  the  Pains  and  religious  Intentions  of  the  Com- 
pilers of  it)  hath  proved  an  Offence,  not  only  to  many  of 
the  Godly  at  Home,  but  also  to  the  Reformed  Churches  A- 
broad.  For,  not  to  speak  of  urging  the  Reading  of  all  the 
Prayers,  which  very  greatly  increased  the  Burden  of  it ; 
H  h  4  the 


8  l>/ie   Preface. 

the  many  unprofitable  and  burdensome  Ceremonies  contain- 
ed in  it,  have  occasioned  much  Mischief,  as  well  by  dis- 
quieting the  Consciences  of  many  godly  Ministers  and 
People,  who  could  not  yield  unto  them,  as  by  depriving 
them  of  the  Ordinances  of  God,  which  they  might  not 
enjoy  without  conforming  or  subscribing  to  those  Ceremo- 
nies. Sundry  good  Christians  have  been,  by  Means  there- 
of, kept  from  the  Lord's  Table,  and  divers  able  and  faithful 
Ministers  debarred  from  the  Exercise  of  their  Ministry  (to 
the  Endangering  of  many  thousand  Souls,  in  a  Time  of 
such  Scarcity  of  faithful  Pastors)  and  spoiled  in  their  Liveli- 
hood, to  the  Undoing  of  them  and  their  Families.  Prelates 
and  their  Factions  have  laboured  to  raise  the  Estimation  of 
it  to  such  an  Height,  as  if  there  were  no  other  Worship,  or 
Way  of  Worship  of  GOD,  amongst  us,  but  only  the  Service- 
book  ;  to  the  great  Hindrance  of  the  Preaching  of  the  Word, 
and  (in  some  Places,  especially  of  late)  to  the  Justling  of  it 
out,  as  unnecessary  ;  or  (at  best)  as  far  inferior  to  the 
Reading  of  Common-Prayer,  which  was  made  no  better 
than  an  Idol  by  many  ignorant  and  superstitious  People, 
who  pleasing  themselves  in  their  Presence  at  that  Service, 
and  their  Lip-labour,  in  bearing  Part  in  it,  have  thereby 
hardned  themselves  in  their  Ignorance  and  Carelesness  of 
saving  Knowledge  and  true  Piety. 

In  the  mean  Time,  Papists  boasted,  that  the  Book  was 
a  Compliance  with  them  in  a  great  Part  of  their  Service  ; 
and  so  were  not  a  little  confirmed  in  their  Superstition  and 
Idolatry,  expecting  rather  our  Return  to  them,  than  en- 
deavouring the  Reformation  of  themselves  :  In  which  ex- 
pectation they  were  of  late  very  much  encouraged,  when, 
upon  the  pretended  Warrantableness  of  imposing  of  the 
former  Ceremonies,  new  Ones  were  daily  obtruded  upon 
the  Church. 

Add  hereunto  (which  was  not  foreseen,  but  since  hath 
come  to  pass)  that  the  Liturgy  hath  been  a  great  Means,  as 
on  the  one  Hand  to  make  and  increase  an  idle  and  unedify- 
ing  Ministry,  which  contented  it  self  with  set  Forms  made  to 
their  Hands  by  others,  without  putting  forth  themselves  to 
exercise  the  Gift  of  Prayer,  with  which  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  pleaseth  to  furnish  all  his  Servants  whom  he  calls  to 
that  Office  :  So,  on  the  other  Side,  it  hath  been  (and  ever 
would  be,  if  continued)  a  Matter  of  endless  Strife  and  Con- 
tention in  the  Church,  and  a  Snare  both  to  many  godly  and 

faithful 


The   Preface.  9 

faithful  Ministers,  who  have  been  persecuted  and  silenced 
upon  that  Occasion  ;  and  to  others  of  hopeful  Parts,  many 
of  which  have  been,  and  more  still  would  be  diverted  from 
all  Thoughts  of  the  Ministry  to  other  Studies  ;  especially  in 
these  latter  Times,  wherein  God  vouchsafeth  to  his  People 
more  and  better  Means  for  the  Discovery  of  Error  and  Su- 
perstition, and  for  attaining  of  Knowledge  in  the  Mysteries 
of  Godliness,  and  Gifts  in  Preaching  and  Prayer. 

Upon  these,  and  many  the  like  weighty  Considerations, 
in  Reference  to  the  whole  Book  in  general,  and  because  of 
divers  Particulars  contained  in  it:  not  from  any  Love  to 
Novelty,  or  Intention  to  disparage  our  first  Reformers  (ot 
whom  we  are  persuaded,  that,  were  they  now  alive,  they 
would  join  with  us  in  this  Work,  and  whom  we  acknowledge 
as  excellent  Instruments,  raised  by  God,  to  begin  the 
Purging  and  Building  of  his  House,  and  desire  they  may  be 
had°of°us  and  Posterity  in  everlasting  Remembrance,  with 
Thankfulness  and  Honour;)  but  that  we  may,  in  some 
Measure,  answer  the  gracious  Providence  of  God,  which  at 
this  Time  calleth  upon  us  for  further  Reformation,  and  may 
satisfie  our  own  Consciences,  and  answer  the  Expectation  ot 
other  Reformed  Churches,  and  the  Desires  of  many  of  the 
Godly  among  our  selves,  and  withal  give  some  publick 
Testimony  of  our  Endeavours  for  Uniformity  in  Divine 
Worship  which  we  have  piomised  in  our  Solemn  League 
and  Covenant :  We  have,  after  earnest  and  frequent  Calling 
upon  the  Name  of  God,  and  after  much  Consultation,  not 
with  Flesh  and  Blood,  but  with  his  holy  Word,  resolved  to 
lay  aside  the  former  Liturgy,  with  the  many  Rites  and 
Ceremonies  formerly  used  in  the  Worship  of  God  ;  and 
have  asreed  upon  this  following  Directory  for  all  the 
Parts   of  publick   Worship,    at   ordinary   and    extraordinary 

Wherein  our  Care  hath  been  to  hold  forth  such  Things  as 
are  of  Divine  Institution  in  every  Ordinance  ;  and  other 
Things  we  have  endeavoured  to  set  forth  according  to  the 
Rules  of  Christian  Prudence,  agreeable  to  the  general  Rues 
of  the  Word  of  God  :  Our  Meaning  therein  being  only, 
that  the  general  Heads,  the  Sense  and  Scope  of  the  1  rayers, 
and  other  Parts  of  publick  Worship,  being  known  to  all 
there  may  be  a  Consent  of  all  the  Churches,  in  hose  lungs 
ha  contain  the  Substance  of  the  Service  and  Worship  of 
God;  and  the   Ministers   may  be  hereby  djg*^ 


io  The  Directory  for  the 

Administrations,  to  keep  like  Soundness  in  Doctrine  and 
Prayer  ;  and  may,  if  need  be,  have  some  Help  and  Furni- 
ture ;  and  yet  so,  as  they  become  not  hereby  slothful  and 
negligent  in  stirring  up  the  Gifts  of  Christ  in  them  ;  but, 
that  each  one,  by  Meditation,  by  taking  Heed  to  himself 
and  the  Flock  of  God  committed  to  him,  and  by  wise  ob- 
serving the  Ways  of  Divine  Providence,  may  be  careful  to 
furnish  his  Heart  and  Tongue  with  further,  or  other  Materials 
of  Prayer  and  Exhortation,  as  shall  be  needful  upon  all 
Occasions. 


Of  the  Assembling  of  the  Congregation,  and  their  Be- 
haviour in  the  publick  Worship  of  God. 


WHEN  the  Congregation  is  to  meet  for  publick 
Worship,  (the  People  having  before  prepared 
their  Hearts  thereunto)  ought  all  to  come,  and 
join  therein;  not  absenting  themselves  from  the  publick 
Ordinances  through  Negligence,  or  upon  Pretence  of  private 
Meetings. 

Let  all  enter  the  Assembly,  not  irreverently,  but  in  a 
grave  and  solemn  Manner,  taking  their  Seats  or  Places  with- 
out Adoration,  or  bowing  themselves  towards  one  Place  or 
other. 

The  Congregation  being  assembled,  the  Minister,  after 
solemn  Calling  on  them  to  the  Worshipping  of  the  Great 
Name  of  God,  is  to  begin  with  Prayer. 

"  In  all  Reverence  and  Humility  acknowledging  the  in- 
"  comprehensible  Greatness  and  Majesty  of  the  Lord,  (in 
"  whose  Presence  they  do  then  in  a  special  Manner  appear) 
"  and  their  own  Vileness  and  Unworthiness  to  approach  so 
"  near  him,  with  their  utter  Inability  of  themselves  to  so 
"  great  a  Work ;  and  humbly  beseeching  him  for  Pardon, 
"  Assistance,  and  Acceptance  in  the  whole  Service  then  to 
"  be  performed  ;  and  for  a  Blessing  on  that  particular  Por- 

"  tion 


Pub  lick    Worship   of   God.  u 

"  tion  of  his  Word  then  to  be  read  :  And  all  in  the  Name 
"  and  Mediation  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

The  publick  Worship  being  begun,  the  People  are  wholly 
to  attend  upon  it,  forbearing  to  read  any  Thing,  except 
what  the  Minister  is  then  reading  or  citing  ;  and  abstaining 
much  more  from  all  private  Whisperings,  Conferences, 
Salutations,  or  doing  Reverence  to  any  Person  present  or 
coming  in  ;  as  also  from  all  Gazing,  Sleeping,  and  other  un- 
decent  Behaviour,  which  may  disturb  the  Minister  or  People, 
or  hinder  themselves  or  others  in  the  Service  of  God. 

If  any,  through  Necessity,  be  hindred  from  being  pre- 
sent at  the  Beginning,  they  ought  not,  when  they  come 
into  the  Congregation,  to  betake  themselves  to  their  private 
Devotions,  but  reverently  to  compose  themselves  to  join 
with  the  Assembly,  in  that  Ordinance  of  God,  which  is  then 
in  Hand. 


Of  publick  Reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

REading  of  the  Word  in  the  Congregation,  being  Part  of 
the  publick  Worship  of  God,  (wherein  we  acknowledge 
our  Dependance  upon  him,  and  Subjection  to  him)  and  one 
Means  sanctified  by  him  for  the  Edifying  of  his  People,  is  to 
be  performed  by  the  Pastors  and  Teachers. 

Howbeit,  such  as  intend  the  Ministry,  may  occasionally 
both  read  the  Word,  and  exercise  their  Gift  in  Preaching  in 
the  Congregation,  if  allowed  by  the  Presbytery  thereunto. 

All  the  Canonical  Books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament 
(but  none  of  those  which  are  commonly  called  Apocrypha) 
shall  be  publickly  read  in  the  vulgar  Tongue,  out  of  the  best 
allowed  Translation,  distinctly,  that  all  may  hear  and  under- 
stand. 

How  large  a  Portion  shall  be  read  at  once,  is  left  to  the 
Wisdom  of  the  Minister  ;  but  it  is  convenient,  that  ordi- 
narily one  Chapter  of  each  Testament  be  read  at  every 
Meeting ;  and  sometimes  more,  where  the  Chapters  be 
short,  or  the  Coherence  of  Matter  requireth  it. 

It  is  requisite  that  all  the  Canonical  Books  be  read  over 
in  Order,  that  the  People  may  be  better  acquainted  with  the 
whole  Body  of  the  Scriptures;  and  ordinarily  where  the 
Reading  in  either  Testament  endeth  on  one  Lord's  Day,  it 
is  to  begin  the  next. 

We 


12  The   Directory  for  the 

We  commend  also  the  more  frequent  Reading  of  such 
Scriptures,  as  he  that  readeth  shall  think  best  for  Edification 
of  his  Hearers,  as  the  Book  oi  Psalms,  and  such  like. 

When  the  Minister  who  readeth,  shall  judge  it  necessary 
to  expound  any  Part  of  what  is  read,  let  it  not  be  done,  un- 
til the  whole  Chapter  or  Psalm  be  ended  ;  and  Regard  is  al- 
ways to  be  had  unto  the  Time,  that  neither  Preaching,  nor 
other  Ordinance,  be  straitned,  or  rendred  tedious.  Which 
Rule  is  to  be  observed  in  all  other  publick  Performances. 

Beside  publick  Reading  of  the  holy  Scriptures,  every  Per- 
son that  can  read,  is  to  be  exhorted  to  read  the  Scriptures 
privately,  ^and  all  others  that  cannot  read,  if  not  disabled  by 
Age,  or  otherwise,  are  likewise  to  be  exhorted  to  learn  to 
read)  and  to  have  a  Bible. 


Of  ptiblick  Prayer  before  the  Sermon. 


AFter  Reading  of  the  Word,  (and  singing  of  the  Psalm) 
the  Minister  who  is  to  preach,  is  to  endeavour  to  get 
his  own  and  his  Hearers  Hearts  to  be  rightly  affected  with 
their  Sins,  that  they  may  all  mourn  in  Sense  thereof  before 
the  Lord,  and  hunger  and  thirst  after  the  Grace  of  God  in 
Jesus  Christ,  by  proceeding  to  a  more  full  Confession  of  Sin, 
with  Shame  and  holy  Confusion  of  Face,  and  to  call  upon 
the  Lord  to  this  Effect ; 

"  To  acknowledge  our  great  Sinfulness,  First,  By  Reason 
"  of  original  Sin,  which  (beside  the  Guilt  that  makes  us  li- 
"  able  to  everlasting  Damnation)  is  the  Seed  of  all  other 
"  Sins,  hath  depraved  and  poisoned  all  the  Faculties  and 
"  Powers  of  Soul  and  Body,  doth  defile  our  best  Actions,  and 
"  (were  it  not  restrained,  or  our  Hearts  renewed  by  Grace) 
"  would  break  forth  into  innumerable  Transgressions,  and 
"  greatest  Rebellions  against  the  Lord,  that  ever  were  com- 
"  mitted  by  the  vilest  of  the  Sons  of  Men.  And,  Next, 
"  By  Reason  of  actual  Sins,  our  own  Sins,  the  Sins  of  Ma- 
"  gistrates,  of  Ministers,  and  of  the  whole  Nation,  unto 
"  which  we  are  many  Ways  accessary  :  Which  Sins  of  ours 
"  receive  many  fearful  Aggravations,  we  having  broken  all 
"  the  Commandments  of  the  holy,  just,  and  good  Law  of 
"  God,  doing  that  which  is  forbidden,  and  leaving  undone 

"  what 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  13 

"  what  is  enjoined  ;  and  that  not  only  out  of  Ignorance  and 
"  Infirmity,  but  also  more  presumptuously,  against  the  Light 
"  of  our  Minds,  Checks  of  our  Consciences,  and  Motions 
"  of  his  own  holy  Spirit  to  the  contrary,  so  that  we  have 
"  no  Cloke  for  our  Sins  ;  yea,  not  only  despising  the  Riches 
"  of  God's  Goodness,  Forbearance,  and  Long-suffering, 
"  but  standing  out  against  many  Invitations  and  Offers  of 
"  Grace  in  the  Gospel  ;  not  endeavouring,  as  we  oufht, 
"  to  receive  Christ  into  our  Hearts  by  Faith,  or  to  walk 
"  worthy  of  him  in  our  Lives. 

"  To  bewail  our  Blindness  of  Mind,  Hardness  of  Heart, 
"  Unbelief,  Impenitency,  Security,  Lukewarnmess,  Bar- 
"  renness ;  our  not  endeavouring  after  Mortification  and 
"  Newness  of  Life  ;  nor  after  the  Exercise  of  Godliness  in 
"  the  Power  thereof:  And  that  the  best  of  us  have  not  so 
"  steadfastly  walked  with  God,  kept  our  Garments  so  1111- 
"  spotted,  nor  been  so  zealous  of  his  Glory,  and  the  Good 
"  of  others,  as  we  ought  :  And  to  mourn  over  such  other 
"  Sins,  as  the  Congregation  is  particularly  guilty  of,  not- 
"  withstanding  the  manifold  and  great  Mercies  of  our  God, 
"  the  Love  of  Christ,  the  Light  of  the  Gospel,  and  Re- 
"  formation  of  Religion,  our  own  Purposes,  Promises,  Vows, 
"  solemn  Covenant,  and  other  special  Obligations  to  the 
"  contrary. 

"  To  acknowledge  and  confess,  that,  as  we  are  convinced 
';  of  our  Guilt,  so,  out  of  a  deep  Sense  thereof,  we  judge 
"  our  selves  unworthy  of  the  smallest  Benefits,  most  worthy 
"  of  God's  fiercest  Wrath,  and  of  all  the  Curses  of  the  Law, 
"  and  heaviest  Judgments  inflicted  upon  the  most  rebellious 
"  Sinners  ;  and  that  he  might  most  justly  take  his  King- 
"  dom  and  Gospel  from  us,  plague  us  with  all  Sorts  of 
"  spiritual  and  temporal  Judgments  in  this  Life,  and  after 
"  cast  us  into  utter  Darkness,  in  the  Lake  that  burnetii  with 
"  Fire  and  Brimstone,  where  is  Weeping  and  Gnashing  of 
"  Teeth  for  evermore. 

"  Notwithstanding  all  which,  To  draw  near  to  the 
"  Throne  of  Grace,  encouraging  our  selves  with  Hope  of 
"  a  gracious  Answer  of  our  Prayers,  in  the  Riches  and  All- 
"  sufficiency  of  that  only  one  Oblation,  the  Satisfaction 
"  and  Intercession  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  at  the  Right- 
"  hand  of  his  Father,  and  our  Father;  and,  in  Confidence 
"  of  the  exceeding  great  and  precious  Promises  of  Mercy 
"  and  Grace  in  the  New  Covenant,  through  the  same  Me- 

"  diator 


14  The   Directory  for   the 

"  diator  thereof,  to  deprecate  the  heavy  Wrath  and  Curse 
"  of  G  O  D,  which  we  are  not  able  to  avoid,  or  bear :  and 
"  humbly  and  earnestly  to  supplicate  for  Mercy  in  the  free 
"  and  full  Remission  of  all  our  Sins,  and  that  only  for  the 
<;  bitter  Sufferings  and  Precious  Merits  of  that  our  only 
"  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

"  That  our  Lord  would  vouchsafe  to  shed  abroad  his  Love 
"  in  our  Hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost ;  seal  unto  us.  by  the 
"  same  Spirit  of  Adoption,  the  full  Assurance  of  our  Pardon 
"  and  Reconciliation  ;  comfort  all  that  mourn  in  Zion, 
"  speak  Peace  to  the  wounded  and  troubled  Spirit,  and  bind 
"  up  the  Broken-hearted  :  And  as  for  secure  and  presump- 
"  tuous  Sinners,  that  he  would  open  their  Eyes,  convince 
"  their  Consciences,  and  turn  them  from  Darkness  unto 
"  Light,  and  from  the  Power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they 
"  also  may  receive  Forgiveness  of  Sin,  and  an  Inheritance 
"  among  them  that  are  sanctified  by  Faith  in  Christ  Jesus. 

"  With  Remission  of  Sins  through  the  Blood  of  Christ,  to 
"  pray  for  Sanctification  by  his  Spirit  ;  the  Mortification  of 
"  Sin  dwelling  in,  and  many  Times  tyrannizing  over  us  ;  the 
"  Quickning  of  our  dead  Spirits,  with  the  Life  of  God  in 
"  Christ  ;  Grace  to  fit  and  enable  us  for  all  Duties  of  Con- 
"  versation  and  Callings  towards  God  and  Men  ;  Strength 
"  against  Temptations,  the  sanctified  Use  of  Blessings  and 
"  Crosses,  and  Perseverance  in  Faith  and  Obedience  unto 
"  the  End. 

"  To  pray  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  and  King- 
"  dom  of  Christ  to  all  Nations  ;  For  the  Conversion  of  the 
"Jews,  the  Fulness  of  the  Gentiles,  the  Fall  of  Antichrist, 
"  and  the  Hastning  of  the  Second  Coming  of  our  Lord  ; 
"  For  the  Deliverance  of  the  distressed  Churches  Abroad 
"  from  the  Tyranny  of  the  Antichristian  Faction,  and  from 
if  the  cruel  Oppressions  and  Blasphemies  of  the  Turk ;  For 
"  the  Blessing  of  God  upon  the  Reformed  Churches,  e- 
"  specially  upon  the  Churches  and  Kingdoms  of  Scotland, 
"  England  and  Ireland,  now  more  strictly  and  religiously 
"  united  in  the  Solemn  National  League  and  Covenant ;  and 
"  for  our  Plantation  in  the  remote  Parts  of  the  World : 
"  More  particularly  for  that  Church  and  Kingdom  where- 
"  of  we  are  Members,  that  therein  God  would  establish 
"  Peace  and  Truth,  the  Purity  of  all  his  Ordinances,  and 
"  the  Power  of  Godliness  :  prevent  and  remove  Heresy, 
"  Schism,  Profaneness,  Superstition,  Security,  and  Unfruit- 

"  fulness 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  15 

"  fulness  under  the  Means  of  Grace  :  heal  all  our  Rents  and 
"  Divisions,  and  preserve  us  from  Breach  of  our  Solemn 
"  Covenant. 

"  To  pray  for  all  in  Authority,  especially  for  the  King's 
"  Majesty,  that  God  would  make  him  rich  in  Blessings, 
"  both  in  his  Person  and  Government  ;  establish  his 
"  Throne  in  Religion  and  Righteousness,  save  him  from 
"  evil  Counsel,  and  make  him  a  blessed  and  glorious  In- 
"  strument  for  the  Conservation  and  Propagation  of  the 
"  Gospel,  for  the  Encouragement  and  Protection  of  them 
"  that  do  Well,  the  Terror  of  all  that  do  Evil,  and  the 
"  great  Good  of  the  whole  Church,  and  of  all  his  King- 
"  doms  ;  Eor  the  Conversion  of  the  Queen,  the  religious 
"  Education  of  the  Prince,  and  the  rest  of  the  Royal  Seed  ; 
"  For  the  Comforting  the  afflicted  Queen  of  Bohemia, 
"  Sister  to  our  Sovereign  ;  and  for  the  Restitution  and  E- 
"  stablishment  of  the  illustrious  Prince  Charles,  Elector 
"  Palatine  of  the  Rhine,  to  all  his  Dominions  and  Digni- 
"  ties  ;  For  a  Blessing  upon  the  high  Court  of  Parliament 
"  (when  sitting  in  any  of  these  Kingdoms  respectively)  the 
"  Nobility,  the  subordinate  Judges  and  Magistrates,  the 
"Gentry,  and  all  the  Commonality;  For  all  Pastors  and 
"  Teachers,  that  God  would  till  them  with  his  Spirit,  make 
"  them  examplarily  Holy,  Sober,  Just,  Peaceable,  and 
"  Gracious  in  their  Lives ;  Sound,  Faithful,  and  Power- 
"  ful  in  their  Ministry  ;  and  follow  all  their  Labours  with 
'*  Abundance  of  Success  and  Blessing  ;  and  give  unto  all 
"his  People,  Pastors  according  to  his  own  Heart;  For 
"  the  Universities,  and  all  Schools  and  religious  Semina- 
"  naries  of  Church  and  Common-wealth,  that  they  may  flou- 
"  rish  more  and  more  in  Learning  and  Piety ;  For  the 
"  particular  City  or  Congregation,  that  God  would  pour 
"  out  a  Blessing  upon  the  Ministry  of  the  Word,  Sacra- 
"  ments  and  Discipline,  upon  the  Civil  Government,  and  all 
u.  the  several  Families  and  Persons  therein  ;  For  Mercy  to 
"  the  Afflicted,  under  any  inward  or  outward  Distress  ;  For 
"  seasonable  Weather  and  fruitful  Seasons,  as  the  Time 
"  may  require  ;  For  Averting  the  Judgment  that  we  either 
"  feel  or  fear,  or  are  liable  unto,  as  Famine,  Pestilence,  the 
"  Sword  and  such  like. 

"  And  with  Confidence  of  his  Mercy  to  his  whole  Church, 
"  and  the  Acceptance  of  our  Persons,  through  the  Merits 
"  and  Mediation  of  our  High  Priest  the  Lord  Jesus,  To 

"  profess 


1 6  The  Directory  for  the 

*•'  profess  that  it  is  the  Desire.of  our  Souls  to  have  Fellow- 
"  ship  with  God,  in  the'  reverend  and  conscionabie  Use  of 
"  his  holy  Ordinances  ;  and,  to  that  Purpose,  to  pray  ear- 
"  nestly  for  his  Grace,  and  effectual  Assistance  to  the  Sanc- 
"  tification  of  his  holy  Sabbath,  the  Lord's  Day,  in  all  the 
"  Duties  thereof,  publick  and  private,  both  to  our  selves, 
"  and  to  all  other  Congregations  of  his  Peopte,  according  to 
"  the  Riches  and  Excellency  of  the  Gospel,  this  Day  cele- 
"  brated  and  enjoyed. 

"  And,  because  we  have  been  unprofitable  Hearers  in 
"  Times  past,  and  now  cannot  of  ourselves  receive,  as  we 
"  should,  the  deep  Things  of  God,  the  Mysteries  of  Jesus 
"  Christ,  which  require  a  spiritual  Discerning  ;  To  pray, 
"  that  the  Lord,  who  teacheth  to  profit,  would  graciously 
"  please  to  pour  out  the  Spirit  of  Grace,  together  with 
"  the  outward  Means  thereof,  causing  us  to  attain  such  a 
"  Measure  of  the  Excellency  of  the  Knowledge  of  Christ 
"  Jesus  our  Lord,  and,  in  him,  of  the  Things  which  belong 
"  to  our  Peace,  that  we  may  account  all  Things  but  as 
"  Dross  in  Comparison  of  him  :  And  that  we,  tasting  the 
"  first  Fruits  of  the  Glory  that  is  to  be  revealed,  may  long 
"  for  a  more  full  and  perfect  Communion  with  him,  that 
"  where  he  is,  we  may  be  also,  and  enjoy  the  Fulness  of 
"  those  Joys  and  Pleasures,  which  are  at  his  Right-hand  for 
"  evermore. 

"  More  particularly,  that  God  would  in  a  special  Manner 
"  furnish  his  Servant  (now  called  to  dispence  the  Bread  of 
"  Life  unto  his  Household)  with  Wisdom,  Fidelity,  Zeal, 
"  and  Utterance,  that  he  may  divide  the  Word  of  God 
"  aright,  to  every  one  his  Portion,  in  Evidence  and  De- 
"  monstration  of  the  Spirit  and  Power;  And  that  the  Lord 
"  would  circumcise  the  Ears  and  Hearts  of  the  Hearers,  to 
"  hear,  love,  and  receive  with  Meekness  the  ingrafted 
"  Word,  which  is  able  to  save  their  Souls  ;  make  them  as 
"  good  Ground  to  receive  in  the  good  Seed  of  the  Word, 
"  and  strengthen  them  against  the  Temptations  of  Satan, 
"  the  Cares  of  the  World,  the  Hardness  of  their  own  Hearts, 
"  and  whatsoever  else  may  hinder  their  profitable  and  sav- 
"  ing  Hearing  ;  that  so  Christ  may  be  so  formed  in  them, 
"  and  live  in  them,  that  all  their  Thoughts  may  be  brought 
"  into  Captivity  to  the  Obedience  of  Christ,  and  their 
"  Hearts  established  in  every  good  Word  and  Work  for 
"  ever." 

We 


Pub  lick    Worship   of   God.  17 

We  judge  this  is  a  most  convenient  Order,  in  the  ordinary 
publick  Prayers  ;  yet  so,  as  the  Minister  may  defer  (as  in 
Prudence  he  shall  think  meet)  some  Part  of  these  Petitions, 
till  after  his  Sermon,  or  offer  up  to  God  some  of  the 
Thanksgivings  hereafter  appointed,  in  his  Prayer  before 
his  Sermon. 


Of  the   Preaching  of  the    Word.\ 


REACHING  of  the  Word,  being  the  Power  of 
God  unto  Salvation,  and  one  of  the  greatest  and  most 
excellent  Works  belonging  to  the  Ministry  of  the  Gospel, 
should  so  be  performed,  that  the  Workman  need  not  be 
ashamed,  but  may  save  himself,  and  those  that  hear  him. 

It  is  presupposed  (according  to  the  Rules  for  Ordination) 
that  the  Minister  of  Christ  is  in  some  good  Measure  gifted 
for  so  weighty  a  Service,  by  his  Skill  in  the  Original  Lan- 
guages, and  in  such  Arts  and  Sciences  as  are  Handmaids  un- 
to Divinity ;  by  his  Knowledge  in  the  whole  Body  of  Theo- 
logy, but  most  of  all  in  the  holy  Scriptures,  having  his 
Senses  and  Heart  exercised  in  them  above  the  common  Sort 
of  Believers;  and  by  the  Illumination  of  God's  Spirit,  and 
other  Gifts  of  Edification,  which  (together  with  Reading 
and  Studying  of  the  Word)  he  ought  still  to  seek  by  Prayer, 
and  an  humble  Heart,  resolving  to  admit  and  receive  any 
Truth  not  yet  attained,  whenever  God  shall  make  it  known 
unto  him.  All  which  he  is  to  make  Use  of,  and  improve,  in 
his  private  Preparations,  before  he  deliver  in  Publick  what 
he  hath  provided. 

Ordinarily,  the  Subject  of  his  Sermon  is  to  be  some  Text 
of  Scripture,  holding  forth  some  Principle  or  Head  of  Reli- 
gion, or  suitable  to  some  special  Occasion  emergent;  or  he 
may  go  on  in  some  Chapter,  Psalm,  or  Book  of  the  Holy 
Scripture,  as  he  shall  see  fit. 

Let  the  Introduction  to  his  Text  be  brief  and  perspicuous, 
drawn  from  the  Text  itself,  or  Context,  or  some  parallel 
Place,  or  general  Sentence  of  Scripture. 

I  i  If 


i8  The   Directory  for   the 

If  the  Text  be  long  (as  in  Histories  and  Parables  it  some- 
times must  be)  let  him  give  a  brief  Sum  of  it  ;  if  short,  a 
Paraphrase  thereof,  if  need  be  :  In  both,  looking  diligently 
to  the  Scope  of  the  Text,  and  pointing  at  the  chief  Heads 
and  Grounds  of  Doctrine,  which  he  is  to  raise  from  it. 

In  analysing  and  dividing  his  Text,  he  is  to  regard  more 
the  Order  of  Matter,  than  of  Words ;  and  neither  to  burden 
the  Memory  of  the  Hearers  in  the  Beginning  with  too  many 
Members  of  Division,  nor  to  trouble  their  Minds  with 
obscure  Terms  of  Art. 

In  raising  Doctrines  from  the  Text,  his  Care  ought  to  be, 
First,  That  the  Matter  be  the  Truth  of  God.  Secondly, 
That  it  be  a  Truth  contained  in,  or  grounded  on  that  Text, 
that  the  Hearers  may  discern  how  God  teacheth  it  from 
thence.  Thirdly,  That  he  chiefly  insist  upon  those  Doc- 
trines which  are  principally  intended,  and  make  most  for  the 
Edification  of  the  Hearers. 

The  Doctrine  is  to  be  expressed  in  plain  Terms  ;  or,  if 
any  Thing  in  it  need  Explication,  is  to  be  opened,  and  the 
Consequence  also  from  the  Text  cleared.  The  parallel  Pla- 
ces of  Scripture  confirming  the  Doctrine  are  rather  to  be 
plain  and  pertinent,  than  many,  and  (if  need  be)  somewhat 
insisted  upon,  and  applied  to  the  Purpose  in  Hand. 

The  Arguments  or  Reasons  are  to  be  solid,  and,  as  much 
as  may  be,  convincing.  The  Illustrations,  of  what  Kind  so- 
ever, ought  to  be  full  of  Light,  and  such  as  may  convey  the 
Truth  into  the  Plearer's  Heart  with  spiritual  Delight. 

If  any  Doubt,  obvious  from  Scripture,  Reason,  or  Pre- 
judice of  the  Hearers,  seem  to  arise,  it  is  very  requisite  to 
remove  it,  by  reconciling  the  seeming  Differences,  answer- 
ing the  Reasons,  and  discovering  and  taking  away  the 
Causes  of  Prejudice  and  Mistake.  Otherwise,  it  is  not  fit 
to  detain  the  Hearers  with  propounding  or  answering  vain 
or  wicked  Cavils,  which,  as  they  are  endless,  so  the  pro- 
pounding and  answering  of  them  doth  more  hinder  than  pro- 
mote Edification. 

He  is  not  to  rest  in  general  Doctrine,  although  never  so 
much  cleared  and  confirmed,  but  to  bring  it  home  to  special 
Use,  by  Application  to  his  Hearers  :  Which  albeit  it  prove 
a  Work  of  great  Difficulty  to  himself,  requiring  much  Pru- 
dence, Zeal,  and  Mediation,  and  to  the  natural  and 
corrupt  Man  will  be  very  unpleasant  ;  yet  he  is  to  endeavour 
to    perform    it    in   such   a   Manner,    that   his   Auditors    may 

feel 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  19 

feel  the  Word  of  God  to  be  quick  and  powerful,  and  a 
Discerner  of  the  Thoughts  and  Intents  of  the  Heart  ;  and 
that,  if  any  Unbeliever  or  ignorant  Person  be  present,  he 
may  have  the  Secrets  of  his  Heart  made  manifest,  and  give 
Glory  to  God. 

In  the  Use  of  Instruction  or  Information  in  the  Know- 
ledge of  some  Truth,  which  is  a  Consequence  from  his  Doc- 
trine, he  may  (when  convenient)  confirm  it  by  a  few  firm 
Arguments  from  the  Text  in  Hand,  and  other  Places  of 
Scripture,  or  from  the  Nature  of  that  Common-place  in 
Divinity,  whereof  that  Truth  is  a  Branch. 

In  Confutation  of  false  Doctrines,  he  is  neither  to  raise  an 
old  Heresy  from  the  Grave,  nor  to  mention  a  blasphemous 
Opinion  unnecessarily  :  But,  if  the  People  be  in  Danger  of 
an  Error,  he  is  to  confute  it  soundly,  and  endeavour  to  sa- 
tisfy their  Judgments  and  Consciences  against  all  Objections. 

In  Exhorting  to  Duties,  he  is,  as  he  seeth  Cause,  to  teach 
also  the  Means  that  help  to  the  Performance  of  them. 

In  Dehortation,  Reprehension,  and  publick  Admonition 
(which  require  special  Wisdom)  let  him,  as  there  shall  be 
Cause,  not  only  discover  the  Nature  and  Greatness  of  the 
Sin,  with  the  Misery  attending  it,  but  also  shew  the  Danger 
his  Hearers  are  in  to  be  overtaken  and  surprized  by  it,  to- 
gether with  the  Remedies  and  best  Way  to  avoid  it. 

In  applying  Comfort,  whether  general  against  all  Tenta- 
tions,  or  particular  against  some  special  Troubles'or  Terrors, 
he  is  carefully  to  answer  such  Objections,  as  a  troubled 
Heart  and  afflicted  Spirit  may  suggest  to  the  contrary. 

It  is  also  sometimes  requisite  to  give  some  Notes  of  Trial 
(which  is  very  profitable,  especially  when  performed  by  able 
and  experienced  Ministers,  with  Circumspection  and  Pru- 
dence, and  the  Signs  clearly  grounded  on  the  holy  Scripture) 
whereby  the  Hearers  may  be  able  to  examine  themselves, 
whether  they  have  attained  those  Graces,  and  performed 
those  Duties  to  which  he  exhorteth,  or  be  guilty  of  the  Sin 
reprehended,  and  in  Danger  of  the  Judgments  threatned, 
or  are  such  to  whom  the  Consolations  propounded  do  be- 
long ;  that  accordingly  they  may  be  quickened  and  excited  to 
Duty,  humbled  for  their  Wants  and  Sins,  affected  with  their 
Danger,  and  strengthned  with  Comfort,  as  their  Condition 
upon  Examination  shall  require. 

And,  as  he  needeth  not  always  to  prosecute  every  Doctrine 
which  lies  in   his  Text,  so  is  he   wisely  to   make   Choice  of 

I  i  2  such 


20  The   Directory  for   the 

such  Uses,  as,  by  his  Residence  and  Conversing  with  his 
Flock,  he  findeth  most  needful  and  seasonable  :  And,  a- 
mongst  these,  such  as  may  most  draw  their  Souls  to  Christ, 
the  Fountain  of  Light,  Holiness  and  Comfort. 

This  Method  is  not  prescribed  as  necessary  for  every  Man, 
or  upon  every  Text ;  but  only  recommended  as  being  found 
by  Experience  to  be  very  much  blessed  of  God,  and  very 
helpful  for  the  Peoples  Understandings  and  Memories. 

But  the  Servant  of  Christ,  whatever  his  Method  be,  is  to 
perform  his  whole  Ministry, 

i.  Painfully,  not  doing  the  Work  of  the  Lord  negli- 
gently. 

2.  Plainly,  that  the  meanest  may  understand ;  delivering 
the  Truth,  not  in  the  enticing  Words  of  Man's  Wisdom,  but 
in  Demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of  Power,  lest  the  Cross 
of  Christ  should  be  made  of  none  Effect  ;  abstaining  also 
from  an  unprofitable  Use  of  unknown  Tongues,  strange 
Phrases,  and  Cadences  of  Sounds  and  Words,  sparingly  cit- 
ing Sentences  of  Ecclesiastical  or  other  Human  Writers, 
ancient  or  modern,  be  they  never  so  elegant. 

3.  Faithfully,  looking  at  the  Honour  of  Christ,  the  Con- 
version, Edification  and  Salvation  of  the  People,  not  at  his 
own  Gam  or  Glory  ;  keeping  nothing  back  which  may  pro- 
mote those  holy  Ends,  giving  to  every  one  his  own  Portion, 
and  bearing  indifferent  Respect  unto  all,  without  neglecting 
the  Meanest,  or  sparing  the  Greatest  in  their  Sins. 

4.  Wisely,  framing  all  his  Doctrines,  Exhortations,  and 
especially  his  Reproofs,  in  such  a  Manner  as  may  be  most 
likely  to  prevail,  shewing  all  due  Respect  to  each  Man's 
Person  or  Place,  and  not  mixing  his  own  Passion  or  Bitter- 
ness. 

5.  Gravely,  as  becometh  the  Word  of  God,  shunning  all 
such  Gesture,  Voice  and  Expressions,  as  may  occasion  the 
Corruptions  of  Men  to  despise  him  and  his  Ministry. 

6.  With  loving  Affection,  that  the  People  may  see  all 
coming  from  his  godly  Zeal,  and  hearty  Desire  to  do  them 
good.     And, 

7.  As  taught  of  God,  and  persuaded  in  his  own  Heart, 
that  all  that  he  teacheth,  is  the  Truth  of  Christ  ;  and  walk- 
ing before  his  Flock,  as  an  Example  to  them  in  it ;  earnest- 
ly, both  in  Private  and  Publick,  recommending  his  Labours 
to  the  Blessing  of  God,  and  watchfully  looking  to  himself, 
and  the   Flock  whereof  the  Lord  hath  made  him  Overseer  : 

So 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  21 

So  shall  the  Doctrine  of  Truth  be  preserved  uncorrupt, 
many  Souls  converted  and  built  up,  and  himself  receive 
manifold  Comforts  of  his  Labours  even  in  this  Life,  and 
afterward  the  Crown  of  Glory  laid  up  for  him  in  the  World 
to  come. 

Where  there  are  more  Ministers  in  a  Congregation  than 
one,  and  they  of  different  Gifts,  each  may  more  especially 
apply  himself'  to  Doctrine  or  Exhortation,  according  to  the 
Gift  wherein  he  most  excelleth,  and  as  they  shall  agree  be- 
tween themselves. 


Of  Prayer   after   Sermon. 


THE  Sermon  being  ended,  the  Minister  is,  "  To  give 
"  Thanks  for  the  great  Love  of  God,  in  sending  his 
"  Son  Jesus  Christ  unto  us  ;  for  the  Communication  of  his 
"  Holy  Spirit  ;  for  the  Light  and  Liberty  of  the  glorious 
"  Gospel,  and  the  rich  and  heavenly  Blessings  revealed 
"  therein  ;  as  namely,  Election,  Vocation,  Adoption,  Justifi- 
"  cation,  Sanctification,  and  Hope  of  Glory  ;  for  the  admir- 
"  able  Goodness  of  God,  in  freeing  the  Land  from  Anti- 
"  christian  Darkness  and  Tyranny,  and  for  all  other  National 
"  Deliverances  ;  for  the  Reformation  of  Religion  ;  for  the 
"  Covenant  ;  and  for  many  temporal  Blessings. 

u  To  pray  for  the  Continuance  of  the  Gospel,  and  all 
"  Ordinances  thereof,  in  their  Purity,  Power  and  Liberty  : 
"  To  turn  the  chief  and  most  useful  Heads  of  the  Sermon 
"  into  some  few  Petitions  ;  and  to  pray  that  it  may  abide  in 
"  the  Heart,  and  bring  forth  Fruit. 

"  To  pray  for  Preparation  for  Death  and  Judgment,  and 
"  a  Watching  for  the  Coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  : 
"  To  intreat  of  God  the  Forgiveness  of  the  Iniquities  of  our 
"  holy  Things,  and  the  Acceptation  of  our  spiritual  Sacri- 
"  fice,  through  the  Merit  and  Mediation  of  our  great  High 
"  Priest  and  Saviour  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

And  because  the  Prayer  which  Christ  taught  his  Disci- 
ples, is  not  only  a  Pattern  of  Prayer,  but  itself  a  most  com- 

I  i  3  prehensive 


22  The   Directory  for   the 

prehensive  Prayer,  we  recommend  it  also  to  be  used  in  the 
Prayers  of  the  Church. 

And  whereas,  at  the  Administration  of  the  Sacraments, 
the  holding  publick  Fasts  and  Days  of  Thanksgiving,  and 
other  special  Occasions,  which  may  afford  Matter  of  special 
Petitions  and  Thanksgivings;  It  is  requisite  to  express  some- 
what in  our  publick  Prayers  (as  at  this  Time  it  is  our  Duty 
to  pray  for  a  Blessing  upon  the  Assembly  of  Divines,  the 
Armies  by  Sea  and  Land,  for  the  Defence  of  the  King,  Par- 
liament, and  Kingdom)  every  Minister  is  herein  to  apply 
himself'  in  his  Prayer,  before  or  after  Sermon,  to  those  Oc- 
casions ;  but  for  the  Manner,  he  is  left  to  his  Liberty,  as 
God  shall  direct  and  enable  him,  in  Piety  and  Wisdom  to 
discharge  his  Duty. 

The  Prayer  ended,  let  a  Psalm  be  sung,  if  with  Conve- 
niency  it  may  be  done.  After  which  (unless  some  other 
Ordinance  of  Christ,  that  concerneth  the  Congregation  at 
that  Time,  be  to  follow)  let  the  Minister  dismiss  the  Congre- 
gation with  a  solemn  Blessing. 


The  Administration  of  the  Sacraments. 
And    First,    Of  Baptism. 


Aptism,  as  it  is  not  unnecessarily  to  be  delayed,  so  it  is 
not  to   be  administered  in  any  Case  by  any  private 
Person,  but  by  a  Minister  of  Christ,  called  to  be  the 
Steward  of  the  Mysteries  of  God. 

Nor  is  it  to  be  administred  in  private  Places,  or  privately, 
but  in  the  Place  of  publick  Worship,  and  in  the  Face  of  the 
Congregation,  where  the  People  may  most  conveniently 
see  and  hear  ;  and  not  in  the  Places  where  Fonts,  in  the 
Time  of  Popery,  were  unfitly  and  superstitiously  placed. 

The 


Pub  lick    Worship   of   God.  23 

The  Child  to  be  baptized,  after  Notice  given  to  the  Mi- 
nister the  Day  before,  is  to  be  presented  by  the  Father,  or 
(in  case  of  his  necessary  Absence)  by  some  Christian  Friend 
in  his  Place,  professing  his  earnest  Desire  that  the  Child  may 
be  baptized. 

Before  Baptism,  the  Minister  is  to  use  some  Words  of  In- 
struction, touching  the  Institution,  Nature,  Use,  and  Ends 
of  this  Sacrament  :  Shewing, 

"  That  it  is  instituted  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  That 
"  it  is  a  Seal  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  of  our  Ingrafting 
"  into  Christ,  and  of  our  Union  with  him,  or  Remission 
"  of  Sins,  Regeneration,  Adoption,  and  Life  eternal  :  That 
"  the  Water  in  Baptism,  representeth  and  signifieth,  both 
"  the  Blood  of  Christ,  which  taketh  away  all  Guilt  of  Sin, 
"  original  and  actual  ;  and  the  sanctifying  Vertue  of  the 
"  Spirit  of  Christ  against  the  Dominion  of  Sin,  and  the 
"  Corruption  of  our  sinful  Nature  :  That  Baptizing,  or 
"  Sprinkling  and  Washing  with  Water,  signifieth  the  Clean- 
"  sing  from  Sin  by  the  Blood,  and  for  the  Merit  of  Christ, 
"  together  with  the  Mortification  of  Sin,  and  Rising  from 
"  Sin  to  Newness  of  Life,  by  Vertue  of  the  Death  and  Re- 
"  surrection  of  Christ :  That  the  Promise  is  made  to  Believ- 
"  ers  and  their  Seed  ;  and  that  the  Seed  and  Posterity  of  the 
"  Faithful,  born  within  the  Church,  have,  by  their  Birth, 
"  Interest  in  the  Covenant,  and  Right  to  the  Seal  of  it,  and 
"  to  the  outward  Privileges  of  the  Church,  under  the  Gos- 
"  pel,  no  less  than  the  Children  of  Abraham  in  the  Time 
"  of  the  Old  Testament  ;  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  for  Sub- 
"  stance  being  the  same  ;  and  the  Grace  of  God,  and  the 
"  Consolation  of  Believers,  more  plentiful  than  before  : 
"  That  the  Son  of  God  admitted  little  Children  into  his 
"  Presence,  embracing  and  blessing  them,  saying,  For  of 
"  such  is  the  Kingdom  of  God:  That  Children,  by  Baptism, 
"  are  solemnly  received  into  the  Bosom  of  the  visible  Church, 
"  distinguished  from  the  World,  and  them  that  are  without, 
"and  united  with  Believers;  and  that  all  who  are  bapti- 
"  zed  in  the  Name  of  Christ,  do  renounce,  and,  by  their 
"  Baptism,  are  bound  to  fight  against  the  Devil,  the  World, 
"  and  the  Flesh  :  That  they  are  Christians,  and  federally 
"  holy  before  Baptism,  and  therefore  are  they  baptized  : 
"  That  the  inward  Grace  and  Vertue  of  Baptism  is  not  tied 
"  to  that  very  Moment  of  Time  wherein  it  is  administred, 
"  and  that  the  Fruit  and  Power  thereof  reacheth  to  the 
I   i  4  ';  whole 


24  The   Directory  for   the 

"  whole  Course  of  our  Life  ;  and  that  outward  Baptism  is 
"  not  so  necessary,  that  through  the  Want  thereof,  the  Infant 
"  is  in  Danger  of  Damnation,  or  the  Parents  guilty,  if  they 
"  do  not  contemn  or  neglect  the  Ordinance  of  Christ,  when 
"  and  where  it  may  be  had." 

In  these  or  the  like  Instructions,  the  Minister  is  to  use 
his  own  Liberty  and  godly  Wisdom,  as  the  Ignorance  or 
Errors  in  the  Doctrine  of  Baptism,  and  the  Edification  of 
the  People  shall  require. 

He  is  also  to  admonish  all  that  are  present, 

"  To  look  back  to  their  Baptism  ;  to  repent  of  their  Sins 
"  against  their  Covenant  with  God  ;  to  stir  up  their  Faith  ; 
"  to  improve  and  make  the  right  Use  of  their  Baptism,  and 
"  of  the  Covenant  sealed  thereby  betwixt  God  and  their 
"  Souls." 

He  is  to  exhort  the  Parent, 

"  To  consider  the  great  Mercy  of  God  to  him  and  his 
"  Child  ;  to  bring  up  the  Child  in  the  Knowledge  of  the 
"  Grounds  of  the  Christian  Religion,  and  in  the  Nurture 
"  and  Admonition  of  the  Lord  ;  and  to  let  him  know  the 
<(  Danger  of  God's  Wrath  to  himself  and  Child,  if  he  be 
"  negligent  :  Requiring  his  solemn  Promise  for  the  Per- 
"  formance  of  his  Duty." 

This  being  done,  Prayer  is  also  to  be  joined  with  the 
Word  of  Institution,  for  sanctifying  the  Water  to  this  Spi- 
ritual Use  ;  and  the  Minister  is  to  pray  to  this  or  the  like 
Effect, 

"  That  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  left  us  as  Strangers  with- 
"  out  the  Covenant  of  Promise,  but  called  us  to  the  Privi- 
"  leges  of  his  Ordinances,  would  graciously  vouchsafe  t'? 
"  sanctify  and  bless  his  own  Ordinance  of  Baptism  at  this 
"  Time  :  That  he  would  join  the  inward  Baptism  of  his 
"  Spirit  with  the  outward  Baptism  of  Water  ;  make  this 
"  Baptism  to  the  Infant  a  Seal  of  Adoption,  Remission  of 
"  Sin,  Regeneration  and  eternal  Life,  and  all  other  Promises 
"  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace  :  That  the  Child  may  be  plant- 
"  ed  into  the  Likeness  of  the  Death  and  Resurrection  of 
"  Christ ;  and  that  the  Body  of  Sin  being  destroyed  in  him, 
"  he  may  serve  God  in  Newness  of  Life  all  his  Days." 

Then  the  Minister  is  to  demand  the  Name  of  the  Child, 
which  being  told  him,  he  is  to  say,  (calling  the  Child  by  his 
Name) 

/ 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  25 

/  baptize  thee  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

As  he  pronounceth  these  Words,  he  is  to  baptize  the  Child 
with  Water  :  Which  for  the  Manner  of  doing  it,  is  not  only 
lawful,  but  sufficient  and  most  expedient  to  be,  by  pouring 
or  sprinkling  of  the  Water  on  the  Face  of  the  Child,  with- 
out adding  any  other  Ceremony. 

This  done,  he  is  to  give  Thanks  and  pray,  to  this  or  the 
like  Purpose  ; 

"  Acknowledging  with  all  Thankfulness,  that  the  Lord 
"is  True  and  Faithful  in  keeping  Covenant  ~and  Mercy  ; 
"  That  he  is  Good  and  Gracious,  not  only  in  that  he  num- 
"  breth  us  among  his  Saints,  but  is  pleased  also  to  bestow 
"  upon  our  Children  this  singular  Token  and  Badge  of  his 
"  Love  in  Christ  :  That,  in  his  Truth  and  special  Provi- 
"  dence,  he  daily  bringeth  some  into  the  Bosom  of  his 
"  Church,  to  be  Partakers  of  his  inestimable  Benefits,  pur- 
"  chased  by  the  Blood  of  his  dear  Son,  for  the  Continuance 
"  and  Increase  of  his  Church. 

"  And  praying.  That  the  Lord  would  still  continue,  and 
"  daily  confirm  more  and  more  this  his  unspeakable  Favour : 
'•  That  he  would  receive  the  Infant,  now  baptized,  and 
"  solemnly  entred  into  the  Houshold  of  Faith,  into  his  Fa- 
"  therly  Tuition  and  Defence,  and  remember  him  with  the 
"  Favour  that  he  sheweth  to  his  People  :  That,  if  he  shall  be 
"  taken  out  of  this  Life  in  his  Infancy,  the  Lord,  who  is 
"  rich  in  Mercy,  would  be  pleased  to  receive  him  up  into 
"  Glory  ;  and  if  he  live,  and  attain  the  Years  of  Discretion, 
"  that  the  Lord  would  so  teach  him  by  his  Word  and  Spirit, 
"  and  make  his  Baptism  effectual  to  him,  and  so  uphold  him 
"  by  his  Divine  Power  and  Grace,  that  by  Faith  he  may 
"  prevail  against  the  Devil,  the  World,  and  the  Flesh,  till  in 
"  the  End  he  obtain  a  full  and  final  Victory,  and  so  be  kept 
"  by  the  Power  of  God,  through  Faith  unto  Salvation, 
"  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord." 


Of  the  Celebration  of  the  Communion,  or  Sacrament 
of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

TH  E  Communion,  or  Supper  of  the  Lord,  is  frequently 
to  be  celebrated  :  But  how  often,  may  be  considered, 

and 


26  The   Directory  for   the 

and  determined  by  the  Ministers,  and  other  Church-Gover- 
nors of  each  Congregation,  as  they  shall  find  most  conveni- 
ent for  the  Comfort  and  Edification  of  the  People  com- 
mitted to  their  Charge.  And  when  it  shall  be  admini- 
stred,  we  judge  it  convenient  to  be  done  after  the  Morning- 
Sermon. 

The  Ignorant  and  the  Scandalous  are  not  fit  to  receive 
this  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Where  this  Sacrament  cannot  with  Convenience  be  fre- 
quently administred,  it  is  requisite  that  publick  Warning  be 
given  the  Sabbath-day  before  the  Administration  thereof: 
And  that  either  then,  or  on  some  Day  of  that  Week,  some- 
thing concerning  that  Ordinance,  and  the  due  Preparation 
thereunto,  and  Participation  thereof,  be  taught  ;  that,  by 
the  diligent  Use  of  all  Means  sanctified  of  God  to  that  Pmd, 
both  in  Publick  and  Private,  all  may  come  better  prepared 
to  that  heavenly  Feast. 

When  the  Day  is  come  for  Administration,  the  Minister, 
having  ended  his  Sermon  and  Prayer,  shall  make  a  short 
Exhortation, 

"  Expressing  the  inestimable  Benefit  we  have  by  this  Sa- 
"  crament  ;  together  with  the  Ends  and  Use  thereof :  Set- 
"  ting  forth  the  great  Necessity  of  having  our  Comforts  and 
"  Strength  renewed  thereby,  in  this  our  Pilgrimage  and  War- 
"  fare  :  How  necessary  it  is,  that  we  come  unto  it  with 
"  Knowledge,  Faith,  Repentance,  Love,  and  with  hungring 
"  and  thirsting  Souls  after  Christ  and  his  Benefits  :  How 
"  great  the  Danger,  to  eat  and  drink  unworthily. 

"  Next  he  is,  in  the  Name  of  Christ,  on  the  one  Part, 
11  to  warn  all  such  as  are  Ignorant,  Scandalous,  Profane, 
"  or  that  live  in  any  Sin  or  Offence  against  their  Knowledge 
"  or  Conscience,  that  they  presume  not  to  come  to  that 
"  holy  Table  ;  shewing  them,  That  he  that  eateth  and 
"  Drinketh  Unworthily,  Eateth  and  Drinketh  Judgment 
"unto  himself:  And  on  the  other  Part,  he  is  in  especial 
"  Manner  to  invite  and  encourage  all  that  labour  under  the 
"  Sense  of  the  Burden  of  their  Sins,  and  Fear  of  Wrath, 
"  and  desire  to  reach  out  unto  a  greater  Progress  in  Grace 
"  than  yet  they  can  attain  unto,  to  come  to  the  Lord's 
"  Table  ;  assuring  them  in  the  same  Name,  of  Ease,  Re- 
"  freshing  and  Strength  to  their  weak  and  wearied  Souls." 

After  this  Exhortation,  Warning,  and  Invitation,  the 
Table   being  before  decently  covered,  and  so  conveniently 

placed, 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  27 

placed,  that  the  Communicants  may  orderly  sit  about  it,  or 
at  it,  The  Minister  is  to  begin  the  Action,  with  sanctifying 
and  blessing  the  Elements  of  Bread  ard  Wine  set  before  him 
(the  Bread  in  comely  and  convenient  Vessels,  so  prepared, 
that  being  broken  by  him,  and  given,  it  may  be  distributed 
amongst  the  Communicants  :  The  Wine  also  in  large  Cups  ;) 
having  first  in  a  few  Words  shewed,  That  those  Elements,  •: 
otherwise  common,  are  now  set  apart  and  sanctified  to  this  II 
holy  Use,  by  the  Word  of  Institution  and  Prayer. 

Let  the  Words  of  Institution  be  read  out  of  the  Evange- 
lists, or  out  of  the  first  Epistle  of  the  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Corinthians,  Chap.  xi.  Ver  23.  I  have  received  of  the  Lord, 
&c.  to  the  27.  Verse,  which  the  Minister  may,  when  he 
seeth  requisite,  explain  and  apply. 

Let  the  Prayer,  Thanksgiving,  or  Blessing  of  the  Bread 
and  Wine,  be  to  this  Effect ; 


"  W  7TTH  humble  and  hearty  Acknowledgment  of  the 
"  VV  Greatness  of  our  Misery,  from  which  neither  Man 
"  nor  Angel  was  able  to  deliver  us,  and  of  our  great  Un- 
"  worthiness  of  the  least  of  all  God's  Mercies  ;  To  give 
"  Thanks  to  God  for  all  his  Benefits,  and  especially  for 
"  that  great  Benefit  of  our  Redemption,  the  Love  of  God 
"  the  Father,  the  Sufferings  and  Merits  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
"  Christ  the  Son  of  God,  by  which  we  are  delivered  ;  and 
"  for  all  Means  of  Grace,  the  Word  and  Sacraments  ;  and 
"  for  this  Sacrament  in  particular,  by  which  Christ,  and 
"  all  his  Benefits,  are  applied  and  sealed  up  unto  us,  which, 
"  notwithstanding  the  Denial  of  them  unto  others,  are  in 
"  great  Mercy  continued  unto  us,  after  so  much  and  long 
"  Abuse  of  them  all. 

"  To  profess,  that  there  is  no  other  Name  under  Heaven, 
"  by  which  we  can  be  saved,  but  the  Name  of  Jesus  Christ, 
"  by  whom  alone  we  receive  Liberty  and  Life,  have  Access 
"  to  the  Throne  of  Grace,  are  admitted  to  eat  and  drink 
"  at  his  own  Table,  and  are  sealed  up  by  his  Spirit  to  an 
"  Assurance  of  Happiness  and  everlasting  Life. 

"  Earnestly  to  pray  to  God,  the  Father  of  all  Mercies, 
"  and  God  of  all  Consolation,  to  vouchsafe  his  gracious  Pre- 

"  sence, 


28  The   Directory   of  the 

"  sence,  and  the  effectual  Working  of  his  Spirit  in  us,  and 
"  so  to  sanctify  these  Elements,  both  of  Bread  and  Wine, 
"  and  to  bless  his  own  Ordinance,  that  we  may  receive,  by 
"  Faith,  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Jesus  Christ  crucified  for 
"  us,  and  so  to  feed  upon  him,  that  he  may  be  one  with  us, 
"  and  we  with  him  ;  that  lie  may  live  in  us,  and  we  in  him, 
"  and  to  him,  who  hath  loved  us,  and  given  himself  for 
"  us." 

All  which  he  is  to  endeavour  to  perform  with  suitable 
Affections,  answerable  to  such  an  holy  Action,  and  to  stir 
up  the  like  in  the  People. 

The  Elements  being  now  sanctified  by  the  Word  and  Pray- 
er, the  Minister,  being  at  the  Table,  is  to  take  the  Bread  in 
his  Hand,  and  say,  in  these  Expressions,  (or  other  the  like, 
used  by  Christ,  or  his  Apostle  upon  this  Occasion  :) 

"  According  to  the  holy  Institution,  Command,  and 
"  Example  of  our  blessed  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  I  take  this 
"  Bread,  and  having  given  Thanks,  I  break  it,  and  give 
"  it  unto  you  (There  the  Minister,  who  is  also  himself  to 
"  communicate,  is  to  break  the  Bread,  and  give  it  to  the 
"  Communicants  :  )  Take  ye,  eat  ye  ;  This  is  the  Body  of 
"  Christ  which  is  broken  for  you  ;  Do  this  in  Remembrance 
"  of  him." 

In  like  manner  the  Minister  is  to  take  the  Cup,  and  say, 
in  these  Expressions  (or  other  the  like,  used  by  Christ,  or 
the  Apostle  upon  the  same  Occasion  : ) 

"  According  to  the  Institution,  Command,  and  Exam- 
"  pie  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  take  this  Cup,  and  give 
"  it  unto  you  (Here  he  giveth  it  to  the  Communicants) 
"  This  Cup  is  the  JVe7c>  Testament  in  the  Blood  of  Christ, 
"  which  is  shed  for  the  Remission  of  the  Sins  of  many  : 
"  Drink  ye  all  of  it. ," 

After  all  have  communicated,  the  Minister  may,  in  a  few 
Words,  put  them  in  mind 

"  Of  the  Grace  of  God,  in  Jesus  Christ,  held  forth  in  this 
"  Sacrament ;  and  exhort  them  to  walk  worthy  of  it." 

The  Minister  is  to  give  solemn  Thanks  to  God, 

"  For  his  rich  Mercy,  and  invaluable  Goodness  vouch- 
"  safed  to  them  in  that  Sacrament  ;  and  to  intreat  for  Par- 
"  don  for  the  Defects  of  the  whole  Service,  and  for  the 
"  gracious  Assistance  of  his  good  Spirit,  whereby  they  may 
"  be   enabled  to  walk   in   the  Strength   of  that   Grace,  as 

"  becometh 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  29 

"  becometh  those  who  have  received   so  great  Pledges  of 
"  Salvation." 

The  Collection   for  the  Poor  is  so  to  be  ordered,  that  no 
Part  of  the  Publick  Worship  be  thereby  hindred. 


Of  the    Sanctification    of  the   Lord's   Day. 

TH  E  Lord's  Day  ought  to  be  so  remembered  before- 
hand, as  that  all  worldly  Business  of  our  ordinary 
Callings  may  be  so  ordered,  and  so  timely  and  seasonably 
laid  aside,  as  they  may  not  be  Impediments  to  the  due 
Sanctifying  of  the  Day  when  it  comes. 

The  whole  Day  is  to  be  celebrated  as  holy  to  the  Lord, 
both  in  Publick  and  Private,  as  being  the  Christian  Sabbath. 
To  which  End,  it  is  requisite,  that  there  be  a  holy  Cessa- 
tion, or  Resting  all  the  Day,  from  all  unnecessary  Labours  ; 
and  an  Abstaining,  not  only  from  all  Sports  and  Pastimes, 
but  also  from  all  worldly  Words  and  Thoughts. 

That  the  Diet  on  that  Day  be  so  ordered,  as  that  neither 
Servants  be  unnecessarily  detained  from  the  publick  Wor- 
ship of  God,  nor  any  other  Person  hindred  from  the  sancti- 
fying that  Day. 

That  there  be  private  Preparation  of  every  Person  and 
Family,  by  Prayer  for  themselves,  and  for  God's  Assistance 
of  the  Minister,  and  for  a  Blessing  upon  his  Ministry  ;  and 
by  such  other  holy  Exercises,  as  may  further  dispose  them  to 
a  more  comfortable  Communion  with  God  in  his  publick 
Ordinances. 

That  all  the  People  meet  so  timely  for  publick  Worship, 
that  the  whole  Congregation  may  be  present  at  the  Begin- 
ning, and  with  one  Heart  solemnly  join  together  in  all 
Parts  of  the  publick  Worship,  and  not  depart  till  after  the 
Blessing. 

That  what  Time  is  vacant,  between,  or  after  the  solemn 
Meetings  of  the  Congregation  in  Publick,  be  spent  in  Read- 
ing, Meditation,  Repetition  of  Sermons  ;  (especially  by  cal- 
ling their  P'amilies  to  an  Account  of  what  they  have  heard) 
and  Catechising  of  them,  holy  Conferences,  Prayer  for  a 
Blessing  upon  the  publick  Ordinances,  Singing  of  Psalms, 
Visiting  the  Sick,  Relieving  the  Poor,  and  such  like  Duties 

of 


30  The   Directory  for   the 

of  Piety,   Charity   and    Mercy,   accounting   the    Sabbath    a 
Delight. 


The   Solemnization   of  Marriage. 

Lthough  Marriage  be  no  Sacrament,  nor  peculiar  to 
the  Church  of  God,  but  common  to  Mankind,  and  of 
publick  Interest  in  every  Common-wealth ;  yet,  because 
such  as  marry  are  to  marry  in  the  Lord,  and  have  special 
Need  of  Instruction,  Direction  and  Exhortation,  from  the 
Word  of  God,  at  their  Entring  into  such  a  new  Condition  ; 
and  of  the  Blessing  of  God  upon  them  therein  ;  we  judge  it 
expedient,  that  Marriage  be  solemnized  by  a  lawful  Minister 
of  the  Word,  that  he  may  accordingly  counsel  them,  and 
pray  for  a  Blessing  upon  them. 

Marriage  is  to  be  betwixt  one  Man  and  one  Woman  only; 
and  they,  such  as  are  not  within  the  Degrees  of  Consan- 
guinity or  Affinity  prohibited  by  the  Word  of  God  ;  and  the 
Parties  are  to  be  of  Years  of  Discretion,  fit  to  make  their 
own  Choice,  or,  upon  good  Grounds  to  give  their  mutual 
Consent.  v 

Before  the  solemnizing  of  Marriage  between  any  Per- 
sons, their  Purpose  of  Marriage  shall  be  published  by  the 
Minister,  three  several  Sabbath-days,  in  the  Congregation  at 
the  Place  or  Places  of  their  most  usual  and  constant  Abode 
respectively.  And  of  this  Publication,  the  Minister  who  is 
to  join  them  in  Marriage,  shall  have  sufficient  Testimony, 
before  he  proceed  to  solemnize  the  Marriage. 

Before  that  Publication  of  such  their  Purpose  (if  the  Par- 
ties be  under  Age)  the  Consent  of  the  Parents,  or  others 
under  whose  Power  they  are  (in  case  the  Parents  be  dead) 
is  to  be  made  known  to  the  Church-Officers  of  that  Congre- 
gation, to  be  recorded. 

The  like  is  to  be  observed  in  the  Proceedings  of  all  others, 
although  of  Age,  whose  Parents  are  living,  for  their  first 
Marriage.  And  in  After  marriages  of  either  of  those  Parties, 
they  shall  be  exhorted  not  to  contract  Marriage  without 
first  acquainting  their  Parents  with  it,  (if  with  Conveniency 
it  may  be  done)  endeavouring  to  obtain  their  Consent. 
Parents  ought  not  to  force  their  Children  to  marry  without 
their  free  Consent,  nor  deny  their  own  Consent  without  just 
Cause.  After 


Pub  lick    Wars  J  lip   of   God.  31 

After  the  Purpose  or  Contract  of  Marriage  hath  been  thus 
published,  the  Marriage  is  not  to  be  long  deferred.  There- 
fore the  Minister,  having  had  convenient  Warning,  and 
nothing  been  objected  to  hinder  it,  is  publickly  to  solemnize 
it  in  the  Place  appointed  by  Authority  for  publick  Worship, 
before  a  competent  Number  of  credible  Witnesses,  at  some 
convenient  Hour  of  the  Day,  at  any  Time  of  the  Year,  ex- 
cept on  a  Day  of  publick  Humiliation.  And  we  advise  that 
it  be  not  on  the  Lord's  Day. 

And,  because  all  Relations  are  sanctified  by  the  Word  and 
Prayer,  the  Minister  is  to  pray  for  a  Blessing  upon  them,  to 
this  Effect  ; 

"  Acknowledging  our  Sins,  whereby  we  have  made  our- 
"  selves  less  than  the  least  of  all  the  Mercies  of  God,  and 
"  provoked  him  to  imbitter  all  our  Comforts  ;  earnestly,  in 
';  the  Name  of  Christ,  to  intreat  the  Lord  (whose  Presence 
"  and  Favour  is  the  Happiness  of  every  Condition,  and 
"  sweetens  every  Relation)  to  be  their  Portion,  and  to  own 
"  and  accept  them  in  Christ,  who  are  now  to  be  joined  in 
"  the  honourable  Estate  of  Marriage,  the  Covenant  of  their 
"  God  :  And  that,  as  he  hath  brought  them  together  by  his 
"  Providence,  he  would  sanctify  them  by  his  Spirit,  giving 
"  them  a  new  Frame  of  Heart,  fit  for  their  new  Estate ;  en- 
"  riching  them  with  all  Graces,  whereby  they  may  perform 
"  the  Duties,  enjoy  the  Comforts,  undergo  the  Cares,  and 
"  resist  the  Temptations  which  accompany  that  Condition, 
"  as  becometh  Christians." 

The  Prayer  being  ended,  it  is  convenient  that  the  Minister 
do  briefly  declare  unto  them,  out  of  the  Scripture, 

"  The  Institution,  Use,  and  Ends  of  Marriage,  with  the 
"  Conjugal  Duties,  which  in  all  Faithfulness,  they  are  to 
"  perform  each  to  other  ;  exhorting  them  to  study  the  holy 
"  Word  of  God,  that  they  may  learn  to  live  by  Faith,  ami 
"  to  be  content  in  the  Midst  of  all  Marriage  Cares  and 
"  Troubles,  sanctifying  God's  Name,  in  a  thankful,  sober, 
"  and  holy  Use  of  all  conjugal  Comforts ;  praying  much 
"  with,  and  for  one  another  ;  watching  over,  and  provoking 
"  each  other  to  love  and  good  Works  ;  and  to  live  together 
"  as  the  Heirs  of  the  Grace  of  Life." 

After  solemn  charging  of  the  Persons  to  be  married,  before 
the  great  God,  who  searcheth  all  Hearts,  and  to  whom  they 
must  give  a  strict  Account  at  the  last  Day,  that  if  either  of 
them  know  any  Cause,    by  Precontract  or   otherwise,   why 

they 


32  The   Directory  for   the 

they  may  not  lawfully  proceed  to  Marriage,  that  they  now 
discover  it  :  The  Minister  (if  no  Impediment  be  acknow- 
ledged) shall  cause  first  the  Man  to  take  the  Woman  by  the 
right  Hand,  saying  these  Words, 

I  N.  Do  take  thee  N.  to  be  my  married  Wife,  and  do,  in 
the  Presence  of  God,  and  before  this  Congregation,  promise 
and  covenant  to  be  a  loving  and  faithful  Husband  unto  thee, 
until  God  shall  separate  us  by  Death. 

Then  the  Woman  shall  take  the  Man  by  his  right  Hand, 
and  say  these  Words, 

/  N.  Do  take  thee  N.  to  be  my  married  Husband,  and  I 
do,  in  the  Presence  of  God,  and  before  this  Congregation, 
promise  and  covenant  to  be  a  loving,  faithful,  and  obedient 
Wife  unto  thee,  until  God  shall  separate  us  by  Death. 

Then,  without  any  further  Ceremony,  the  Minister  shall, 
in  the  Face  of  the  Congregation,  pronounce  them  to  be 
Husband  and  Wife,  according  to  God's  Ordinance  ;  and  so 
conclude  the  Action  with  Prayer  to  this  Effect  ; 

"  That  the  Lord  would  be  pleased  to  accompany  his  own 
"  Ordinance  with  his  Blessing,  beseeching  him  to  enrich  the 
"  Persons  now  married,  as  with  other  Pledges  of  his  Love, 
"  so  particularly  with  the  Comforts  and  Fruits  of  Marriage, 
"  to  the  Praise  of  his  abundant  Mercy,  in  and  through  Christ 
"  Jesus." 

A  Register  is  to  be  carefully  kept,  wherein  the  Names  of 
the  Parties  so  married,  with  the  Time  of  their  Marriage,  are 
forthwith  to  be  fairly  recorded  in  a  Book,  provided  for  that 
Purpose,  for  the  Perusal  of  all  whom  it  may  concern. 


Concerning    Visitation    of  the    Sick. 


IT  is  the  Duty  of  the  Minister,  not  only  to  teach  the  Peo- 
ple committed  to  his  Charge,  in  Publick  ;  but  privately 
and  particularly  to  admonish,  exhort,  reprove,  and  comfort 
them,  upon  all  seasonable  Occasions,  so  far  as  his  Time, 
Strength,  and  personal  Safety  will  permit. 

He  is  to  admonish  them,  in  Time  of  Health,  to  prepare 
for  Death  ;  and,  for  that  Purpose,  they  are  often  to  confer 
with  their  Minister  about  the  Estate  of  their  Souls  ;  and  in 

Times 


Pub  lick    Worship   of  God.  33 

Times  of  Sickness,  to  desire  his  Advice  and  Help,  timely 
and  seasonably,  before  their  Strength  and  Understanding 
fail  them. 

Times  of  Sickness  and  Affliction  are  special  Opportunities 
put  into  his  Hand  by  God,  to  minister  a  Word  in  Season  to 
weary  Souls  :  Because  then  the  Consciences  of  Men  are, 
or  should  be,  more  awakened  to  bethink  themselves  of  their 
spiritual  Estate  for  Eternity  ;  and  Satan  also  takes  Advan- 
tage then,  to  load  them  more  with  sore  and  heavy  Tempta- 
tions :  Therefore  the  Minister,  being  sent  for,  and  repairing 
to  the  Sick,  is  to  apply  himself  with  all  Tenderness  and 
Love,  to  administer  some  spiritual  Good  to  his  Soul,  to  this 
Effect. 

He  may,  from  the  Consideration  of  the  present  Sickness, 
instruct  him  out  of  Scripture,  that  Diseases  come  not  by 
Chance,  or  by  Distempers  of  Body  only,  but  by  the  wise 
and  orderly  Guidance  of  the  good  Hand  of  God,  to  every 
particular  Person  smitten  by  them.  And  that,  whether  it  be 
laid  upon  him  out  of  Displeasure  for  Sin,  for  his  Correction 
and  Amendment,  or  for  Trial  and  Exercise  of  his  Graces, 
or  for  other  special  and  excellent  Ends,  all  his  Sufferings 
shall  turn  to  his  Profit,  and  work  together  for  his  Good,  if 
he  sincerely  labour  to  make  a  sanctified  Use  of  God's  Visita- 
tion, neither  despising  his  Chastening,  nor  waxing  weary  of 
his  Correction. 

If  he  suspect  him  of  Ignorance,  he  shall  examine  him  in 
the  Principles  of  Religion,  especially  touching  Repentance 
and  Faith  ;  and,  as  he  seeth  Cause,  instruct  him  in  the  Na- 
ture, Use,  Excellency  and  Necessity,  of  those  Graces  ;  as 
also  touching  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  and  Christ  the  Son  of 
God,  the  Mediator  of  it,  and  concerning  Remission  of  Sins 
by  Faith  in  him. 

He  shall  exhort  the  sick  Person  to  examine  himself,  to 
search  and  try  his  former  Ways,  and  his  Estate  towards  God. 

And  if  the  sick  Person  shall  declare  any  Scruple,  Doubt 
or  Temptation  that  is  upon  him,  Instructions  and  Resolu- 
lutions  shall  be  given  to  satisfy  and  settle  him. 

If  it  appear  that  he  hath  not  a  due  Sense  of  his  Sins,  En- 
deavours ought  to  be  used  to  convince  him  of  his  Sins,  of 
the  Guilt  and  Desert  of  them  ;  of  the  Filth  and  Pollution, 
which  the  Soul  contracts  by  them  ;  and  of  the  Curse  of  the 
Law,  the  Wrath  of  God,  due  to  them  ;  that  he  may  be 
truly  affected  with,  and  humbled  for   them  :  and  withal  to 

K  k  make 


34  The  Directory  for  the 

make  known  the  Danger  of  deferring  Repentance,  and  of 
neglecting  Salvation  at  any  Time  offered  ;  to  awaken  his 
Conscience,  and  rouze  him  up  out  of  a  stupid  and  secure 
Condition,  to  apprehend  the  Justice  and  Wrath  of  God, 
before  whom  none  can  stand,  but  he  that,  being  lost  in  him- 
self, layeth  hold  upon  Christ  by  Faith. 

If  he  have  endeavoured  to  walk  in  the  Ways  of  Holiness, 
and  to  serve  God  in  Uprightness,  altho'  not  without  many 
Failings  and  Infirmities  ;  or  if  his  Spirit  be  broken  with  the 
Sense  of  Sin,  or  cast  down  through  Want  of  the  Sense  of 
God's  Favour  ;  then  it  will  be  fit  to  raise  him  up,  by  setting 
before  him  the  Freeness  and  Fulness  of  God's  Grace,  the 
Sufficiency  of  Righteousness  in  Christ,  the  gracious  Offers  in 
the  Gospel,  that  all  who  repent,  and  believe  with  all  their 
Heart  in  God's  Mercy  through  Christ,  renouncing  their  own 
Righteousness,  shall  have  Life  and  Salvation  in  him  :  It  may 
be  also  useful  to  shew  him,  that  Death  hath  in  it  no  spiritual 
Evil  to  be  feared  by  those  that  are  in  Christ,  because  Sin  the 
Sting  of  Death  is  taken  away  by  Christ,  who  hath  delivered 
all,  that  are  his,  from  the  Bondage  of  the  Fear  of  Death,  tri- 
umphed over  the  Grave,  given  us  Victory,  is  himself  entred 
into  Glory,  to  prepare  a  Place  for  his  People  :  So  that  neither 
Life  nor  Death  shall  be  able  to  separate  them  from  God's 
Love  in  Christ,  in  whom  such  are  sure,  though  now  they 
must  be  laid  in  the  Dust,  to  obtain  a  joyful  and  glorious 
Resurrection  to  eternal  Life. 

Advice  also  may  be  given,  as  to  beware  of  an  ill-grounded 
Persuasion  on  Mercy,  or  on  the  Goodness  of  his  Condition 
for  Heaven,  so  to  disclaim  all  Merit  in  himself,  and  to  cast 
himself  wholly  upon  God  for  Mercy,  in  the  sole  Merits  and 
Mediation  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  engaged  himself  never 
to  cast  off  them,  who  in  Truth  and  Sincerity  come  unto  him. 
Care  also  must  be  taken,  that  the  sick  Person  be  not  cast 
down  into  Despair,  by  such  a  severe  Representation  of  the 
Wrath  of  God  due  to  him  for  his  Sins,  as  is  not  mollified  by 
a  sensible  Propounding  of  Christ  and  his  Merit,  for  a  Door 
of  Hope  to  every  penitent  Believer. 

When  the  sick  Person  is  best  composed,  may  be  least  dis- 
turbed, and  other  necessary  Offices  about  him  least  hindred, 
the  Minister,  if  desired,  shall  pray  with  him,  and  for  him,  to 
this  Effect  ; 

"  Confessing  and  bewailing  of  Sin  original  and  actual,  the 
"  miserable  Condition  of  all  by  Nature,  as  being  Children 

"  of 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  35 

"  of  Wrath,  and  under  the  Curse  ;  acknowledging  that  all 
"  Diseases,  Sicknesses,  Death  and  Hell  itself,  are  the  pro- 
"  per  Issues  and  Effects  thereof:  Imploring  God's  Mercy 
"  for  the  sick  Person,  through  the  Blood  of  Christ ;  beseech- 
"  ing  that  God  would  open  his  Eyes,  discover  unto  him  his 
*'  Sins,  cause  him  to  see  himself  lost  in  himself,  make  known 
"  to  him  the  Cause  why  God  smiteth  him,  reveal  Jesus 
"  Christ  to  his  Soul  for  Righteousness  and  Life,  give  unto 
"  him  his  Holy  Spirit  to  create  and  strengthen  Faith,  to 
"  lay  hold  upon  Christ  to  work  in  him  comfortable  Evi- 
"  dences  of  his  Eove,  to  arm  him  against  Temptations,  to 
"  take  off  his  Heart  from  the  World,  to  sanctify  his  present 
"  Visitation,  to  furnish  him  with  Patience  and  Strength 
"  to  bear  it,  and  to  give  him  Perseverance  in  Faith  to  the 
"  End. 

"  That,  if  God  shall  please  to  add  to  his  Days,  he  would 
"  vouchsafe  to  bless  and  sanctify  all  Means  of  his  Recovery, 
"  to  remove  the  Disease,  renew  his  Strength,  and  enable 
"  him  to  walk  worthy  of  God,  by  a  faithful  Remembrance, 
<;  and  diligent  Observing  of  such  Vows  and  Promises  of  Ho- 
"  liness  and  Obedience,  as  Men  are  apt  to  make  in  Times 
"  of  Sickness,  that  he  may  glorify  God  in  the  remaining  Part 
"  of  his  Life. 

"  And,  if  God  have  determined  to  finish  his  Days  by  the 
"  present  Visitation,  he  may  find  such  Evidence  of  the  Par- 
"  don  of  all  his  Sins,  of  his  Interest  in  Christ,  and  Eternal 
"  Life  by  Christ,  as  may  cause  his  inward  Man  to  be  re- 
"  newed,  while  his  outward  Man  decayeth  ;  that  he  may  be- 
"  hold  Death  without  Fear,  cast  himself  wholly  upon  Christ 
"  without  Doubting,  desire  to  be  dissolved,  and  to  be  with 
"  Christ,  and  so  receive  the  End  of  his  Faith,  the  Salvation 
"  of  his  Soul,  through  the  only  Merits  and  Intercession  of 
"  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  our  alone  Saviour,  and  All-sufficient 
"  Redeemer." 

The  Minister  shall  admonish  him  also  (as  there  shall  be 
Cause)  to  set  his  House  in  Order,  thereby  to  prevent  Incon- 
veniencies  ;  to  take  Care  for  the  Payment  of  his  Debts,  and 
to  make  Restitution  or  Satisfaction  where  he  hath  done  any 
Wrong ;  to  be  reconciled  to  those  with  whom  he  hath  been 
at  Variance,  and  fully  to  forgive  all  Men  their  Trespasses 
against  him,  as  he  expects  Forgiveness  at  the  Hand  of 
God. 

Lastly,  the  Minister  may  improve  the  present  Occasion 
K  k  2  to 


36  The  Directory  for  the 

to  exhort  those  about  the  sick  Person,  to  consider  their  own 
Mortality,  to  return  to  the  Lord,  and  make  Peace  with  him  ; 
in  Health  to  prepare  for  Sickness,  Death,  and  Judgment; 
and  all  the  Days  of  their  appointed  Time  so  to  wait  until 
their  Change  come,  that  when  Christ,  who  is  our  Life,  shall 
appear,  they  may  appear  with  him  in  Glory. 


Concerning  Burial  of  the  Dead. 


WHEN  any  Person  departeth  this  Life,  let  the  dead 
Body,  upon  the  Day  of  Burial,  be  decently  attended 
from  the  House  to  the  Place  appointed  for  publick  Burial, 
and  there  immediately  interred,  without  any  Ceremony. 

And  because  the  Customs  of  Kneeling  down,  and  Praying 
by,  or  towards  the  dead  Corpse,  and  other  such  Usages,  in 
the  Place  where  it  lies,  before  it  be  carried  to  Burial,  are 
superstitious;  and  for  that,  Praying,  Reading,  and  Singing, 
both  in  going  to,  and  at  the  Grave,  have  been  grossly  abused, 
are  no  way  beneficial  to  the  Dead,  and  have  proved  many 
ways  hurtful  to  the  Living,  therefore  let  all  such  Things  be 
laid  aside. 

Howbeit,  we  judge  it  very  convenient,  that  the  Christian 
Friends,  which  accompany  the  dead  Body  to  the  Place  ap- 
pointed for  publick  Burial,  do  apply  themselves  to  Medita- 
tions, and  Conferences  suitable  to  the  Occasion  :  And  that 
the  Minister,  as  upon  other  Occasions,  so  at  this  Time,  if  he 
be  present,  may  put  them  in  Remembrance  of  their  Duty. 

That  this  shall  not  extend  to  deny  any  civil  Respects  or 
Deferences  at  the  Burial,  suitable  to  the  Bank  and  Condi- 
tion of  the  Party  deceased,  while  he  was  living. 


Concerning  publick   solemn   Fasting. 


WHEN  some  great  and  notable  Judgments  are  either 
inflicted  upon  a  People,  or  apparently  imminent,  or 
by  some    extraordinary   Provocations    notoriosly  deserved  ; 
as  also  when  some  special  Blessing  is  to  be  sought  and  ob- 
tained, 


Pub  lick    Worship   of   God.  37 

tained,  publick  solemn  Fasting  (which  is  to  continue  the 
whole  Day)  is  a  Duty  that  God  expecteth  from  that  Nation, 
or  People. 

A  Religious  Fast  requires  total  Abstinence,  not  only  from 
all  Food  (unless  bodily  Weakness  do  manifestly  disable  from 
holding  out  till  the  Fast  be  ended,  in  which  Case,  somewhat 
may  be  taken,  yet  very  sparingly,  to  support  Nature,  when 
ready  to  faint)  but  also  from  all  worldly  Labour,  Discourses 
and  Thoughts,  and  from  all  bodily  Delights,  (although  at 
other  Times  lawful)  rich  Apparel,  Ornaments,  and  such  like, 
during  the  Fast ;  and  much  more  from  whatever  is  in  the 
Nature,  or  Use,  scandalous  and  offensive,  as  gaudish  Attire, 
lasvicious  Habits,  and  Gestures,  and  other  Vanities  of  either 
Sex  ;  which  we  recommend  to  all  Ministers,  in  their  Places, 
diligently  and  zealously  to  reprove,  as  at  other  Times,  so 
especially  at  a  Fast,  without  Respect  of  Persons,  as  there 
shall  be  Occasion. 

Before  the  publick  Meeting,  each  Family  and  Person  a- 
part  are  privately  to  use  all  religious  Care  to  prepare  their 
Hearts  to  such  a  solemn  Work,  and  to  be  early  at  the  Con- 
gregation. 

So  large  a  Portion  of  the  Day,  as  conveniently  may  be,  is 
to  be  spent  in  publick  Reading  and  Preaching  of  the  Word, 
with  Singing  of  Psalms,  fit  to  quicken  Affections  suitable  to 
such  a  Duty ;  but  especially  in  Prayer,  to  this,  or  the  like 
Effect : 

"  Giving  Glory  to  the  great  Majesty  of  God,  the  Creator, 
"  Preserver,  and  Supreme  Ruler  of  all  the  World,  the  better 
"  to  affect  us  thereby  with  an  holy  Reverence  and  Awe  of 
"  him.  Acknowledging  his  manifold,  great  and  tender 
"  Mercies,  especially  to  the  Church  and  Nation,  the  more 
"  effectually  to  soften  and  abase  our  Hearts  before  him. 
"  Humbly  confessing  of  Sins  of  all  Sorts,  with  their  several 
"  Aggravations  ;  justifying  God's  righteous  Judgments,  as 
"  being  far  less  than  our  Sins  do  deserve  ;  yet  humbly  and 
"  earnestly  imploring  his  Mercy  and  Grace  for  our  selves, 
"  the  Church  and  Nation,  for  our  King,  and  all  in  Authority, 
"  and  for  all  others  for  whom  we  are  bound  to  pray  (accord- 
"  ing  as  the  present  Exigent  requireth)  with  more  special 
"  Importunity  and  Enlargement  than  at  other  Times  :  Ap- 
"  plying,  bv  Faith,  the  Promises  and  Goodness  of  God,  for 
"  Pardon,  Help  and  Deliverance,  from  the  Evils  felt,  feared, 
"  or  deserved  ;  and  for  obtaining  the  Blessings  which  we 

K  k  3  "  need 


38  The   Directory  for   the 

"  need  and  expect ;  together  with  a  giving  up  of  ourselves 
"  wholly  and  for  ever  unto  the  Lord." 

In  all  these,  the  Ministers,  who  are  the  Mouths  of  the 
People  unto  God,  ought  so  to  speak  from  their  Hearts,  up- 
on serious  and  thorow  Premeditation  of  them,  that  both 
themselves  and  their  People  may  be  much  affected,  and 
even  melted  thereby,  especially  with  Sorrow  for  their  Sins, 
that  it  may  be  indeed  a  Day  of  deep  Humiliation  and  Afflict- 
ing of  the  Soul. 

Special  Choice  is  to  be  made  of  such  Scriptures  to  be  read, 
and  of  such  Texts  for  Preaching  as  may  best  work  the  Heart 
of  the  Hearers  to  the  special  Business  of  the  Day,  and  most 
dispose  them  to  Humiliation  and  Repentance  ;  insisting  most 
on  those  Particulars,  which  each  Minister's  Observation  and 
Experience  tells  him  are  most  conducing  to  the  Edification 
and  Reformation  of  that  Congregation  to  which  he  preach- 
eth. 

Before  the  Close  of  the  publick  Duties,  the  Minister  is, 
in  his  own,  and  the  People's  Name,  to  engage  his  and  their 
Hearts  to  be  the  Lord's,  with  professed  Purpose  and  Resolu- 
tion to  reform  whatever  is  amiss  among  them,  and  more 
particularly  such  Sins  as  they  have  been  more  remarkably 
guilty  of;  and  to  draw  near  unto  God,  and  to  walk  more 
closely  and  faithfully  with  him  in  new  Obedience,  than  ever 
before. 

He  is  also  to  admonish  the  People  with  all  Importunity, 
that  the  Work  of  that  Day  doth  not  end  with  the  publick 
Duties  of  it,  but  that  they  are  so  to  improve  the  Remainder 
of  the  Day,  and  of  their  whole  Life,  in  reinforcing  upon 
themselves  and  their  Families  in  private,  all  those  godly  Af- 
fections and  Resolutions  which  they  professed  in  publick,  as 
that  they  may  be  settled  in  their  Hearts  for  ever,  and  them- 
selves may  more  sensibly  find  that  God  hath  smelt  a  sweet 
Savour  in  Christ  from  their  Performances,  and  is  pacified 
towards  them,  by  Answers  of  Grace,  in  pardoning  of  Sin,  in 
removing  of  Judgments,  in  averting  or  preventing  of  Plagues, 
and  in  conferring  of  Blessings,  suitable  to  the  Conditions  and 
Prayers  of  his  People,  by  Jesus  Christ. 

Besides  solemn  and  general  Fasts  injoined  by  Authority, 
wre  judge  that  at  other  Times,  Congregations  may  keep 
Days  of  Fasting,  as  Divine  Providence  shall  administer  un- 
to them  special  Occasion  :  And  also  that  Families  may  do 
the  same,    so  it  be  not  on  Days  wherein  the  Congregation 

to 


Publick    Worship   of   God.  39 

to  which   they  do  belong  is  to  meet  for   Fasting,  or  other 
publick  Duties  of  Worship. 


Concerning   the    Observations   of  Days   of  publick 
Th  anksziv  ing. 


WHEN  any  such  Day  is  to  be  kept,  let  Notice  be 
given  of  it,  and  of  the  Occasion  thereof,  some  conve- 
nient Time  before,  that  the  People  may  the  better  prepare 
themselves  thereunto. 

The  Day  being  come,  and  the  Congregation  (after  private 
Preparations)  being  assembled,  the  Minister  is  to  begin 
with  a  Word  of  Exhortation,  to  stir  up  the  People  to  the 
Duty  for  which  they  are  met,  and  with  a  short  Prayer  for 
God's  Assistance  and  Blessing  (as  at  other  Conventions  for 
publick  Worship)  according  to  the  particular  Occasion  of 
their  Meeting. 

Let  him  then  make  some  pithy  Narration  of  the  Delive- 
rance obtained,  or  Mercy  received,  or  of  whatever  hath  oc- 
casioned that  Assembling  of  the  Congregation,  that  all  may 
better  understand  it,  or  be  minded  of  it,  and  more  affected 
with  it. 

And  because  Singing  of  Psalms  is  of  all  other  the  most 
proper  Ordinance  for  expressing  of  Joy  and  Thanksgiving, 
let  some  pertinent  Psalm  or  Psalms  be  sung  for  that  Pur- 
pose, before  or  after  the  Reading  of  some  Portion  of  the 
Word,  suitable  to  the  present  Business. 

Then  let  the  Minister,  who  is  to  preach,  proceed  to 
further  Exhortation  and  Prayer  before  his  Sermon,  with 
special  Reference  to  the  present  Work  :  After  which,  let 
him  preach  upon  some  Text  of  Scripture  pertinent  to  the 
Occasion. 

The  Sermon  ended,  let  him  not  only  pray,  as  at  other 
Times  after  Preaching  is  directed,  with  Remembrance  of 
the  Necessities  of  the  Church,  King,  and  State  (if  before 
the  Sermon  they  were  omitted)  but  inlarge  himself  in  due 
and  solemn  Thanksgiving  for  former  Mercies  and  Deliveran- 
ces, but  more  especially  for  that  which  at  the  present  calls 
them  together  to  give  Thanks  :  With  humble  Petition  for 
the   Continuance  and  Renewing  of  God's  wonted  Mercies, 

K  k  4  as 


4-0  The   Directory  for  the 

as  Need  shall  be,  and  for  sanctifying  Grace  to  make  a  right 
Use  thereof.  And  so,  having  sung  another  Psalm  suitable 
to  the  Mercy,  let  him  dismiss  the  Congregation  with  a  Bles- 
sing, that  they  may  have  some  convenient  Time  for  their 
Repast  and  Refreshing. 

But  the  Minister  (before  their  Dismission)  is  solemnly  to 
admonish  them,  to  beware  of  all  Excess  and  Riot,  tending 
to  Gluttony  or  Drunkenness,  and  much  more  of  these  Sins 
themselves,  in  their  Eating  and  Refreshing  ;  and  to  take 
Care  that  their  Mirth  and  Rejoicing  be  not  Carnal,  but 
Spiritual,  which  may  make  God's  Praise  to  be  glorious,  and 
themselves  humble  and  sober;  and  that  both  their  Feeding 
and  Rejoicing  may  render  them  more  Cheerful  and  Inlarged, 
further  to  celebrate  his  Praises  in  the  midst  of  the  Congrega- 
tion, when  they  return  unto  it,  in  the  remaining  Part  of  that 
Day. 

When  the  Congregation  shall  be  again  assembled,  the  like 
Course  in  Praying,  Reading,  Preaching,  Singing  of  Psalms, 
and  Offering  up  of  more  Praise  and  Thanksgiving,  that  is 
before  directed  for  the  Morning,  is  to  be  renewed  and  con- 
tinued so  far  as  the  Time  will  give  Leave. 

At  one,  or  both  of  the  publick  Meetings  that  Day,  a  Col- 
lection is  to  be  made  for  the  Poor  (and  in  the  like  Manner, 
upon  the  Day  of  publick  Humiliation)  that  their  Loins  may 
bless  us,  and  rejoice  the  more  with  us.  And  the  People  are 
to  be  exhorted,  at  the  end  of  the  latter  Meeting,  to  spend 
the  Residue  of  that  Day  in  holy  Duties,  and  Testifications 
of  Christian  Love  and  Charity  one  towards  another,  and  of 
Rejoicing  more  and  more  in  the  Lord  ;  as  becometh  those 
who  make  the  Joy  of  the  Lord  their  Strength. 


Of  Singing  of  Psalms. 

IT  is  the  Duty  of  Christians  to  praise  God  publickly,  by 
singing  of  Psalms  together  in  the  Congregation,  and  also 
privately  in  the  Family. 

In  Singing  of  Psalms,  the  Voice  is  to  be  tunably  and 
gravely  ordered  ;  but  the  chief  Care  must  be,  to  sing  with 
Understanding,  and  with  Grace  in  the  Heart,  making  Melody 
unto  the  Lord. 

That 


Pub  lick    Worship   of   God.  41 

That  the  whole  Congregation  may  join  herein,  every  one 
that  can  read  is  to  have  a  Psalm-book  ;  and  all  others,  not 
disabled  by  Age,  or  otherwise,  are  to  be  exhorted  to  learn  to 
read.  But  for  the  present,  where  many  in  the  Congregation 
cannot  read,  it  is  convenient  that  the  Minister,  or  some 
other  fit  Person,  appointed  by  him  and  the  other  Ruling 
Officers,  do  read  the  Psalm,  Line  by  Line,  before  the  Sing- 
in  0;  thereof. 


An    APPENDIX    touching    Days    and   Places 
for    Publick    Worship. 


f7~' H E  R  E  is  no  Day  commanded  in  Scripture  to  be  kept 
holy  under  the  Gospet,  but  the  Lord's  Day,  which  is  the 
Christian  Sabbath. 

Festival-days,  vulgarly  called  Holy  days,  having  no  War- 
rant in  the  Word  of  God,  are  fiot  to  be  continued. 

Nevertheless,  it  is  lawful  and  necessary,  upon  special 
emergent  Occasions,  to  separate  a  Day  or  Days  for  publick 
Easting  or  Thanksgiving,  as  the  several  eminent  and  extra- 
ordinary Dispensations  of  Gods  Providence  shall  administer 
Cause  and  Opportunity  to  his  People. 

As  no  Place  is  capable  of  any  Holiness,  wider  Pretence 
of  whatsoever  Dedication  or  Consecration  ;  so  neither  is  it 
subject  to  such  Pollution  by  any  Superstition  formerly  used, 
and  now  laid  aside,  as  may  render  it  unlawful  or  inconve- 
nient for  Christians  to  meet  together  therein  for  the  publick 
Worship  of  God.  And  therefore  we  hold  it  requisite,  that 
the  Places  of  publick  Assembling  for  Worship  among  us, 
should  be  continued,  and  employed  to  that  Use. 


FINIS. 


THE 

FORM 

Of    Presbyterial 
C  H'U  RCH-GoVERNMENT, 

AND    OF 

Ordination    of  Ministers ; 

Agreed   upon   by   the 

Assembly     of     DIVINES 

A   T 

WES  TM  IN  S  T  E  R, 

With  the  Assistance  of 

COMMISSIONERS 

FROM    T H  E 

Church  of  SCOTLAND, 

As    a    Part    of   the   Covenanted   Uniformity   in   Reli- 
gion   betwixt    the    Churches   of  CHRIST    in    the 
Kingdoms  of   Scotland,    England  and  Ireland. 
WITH 
An  Act  of  the   General    Assembly,   Anno    1645,   Approv- 
ing the  same. 

Ezek.  xliii.  1 1.  And  if  they  be  ashanied  of  all  that  they  have  done,  shew 
them  the  Forni  of  the  Hotise,  and  the  Fashion  thereof,  and  the  Goings 
out  thereof,  and  the  Comings  in  thereof,  and  all  the  Forms  thereof, 
and  all  the  Laws  thereof ;  and  write  it  in  their  Sight,  that  they  may 
keep  the  whole  Form  thereof,  and  all  the  Ordinances  thereof,  and  do 
them. 

P  H  I L  A  D  E  L  P  H I  A: 

Printed   by    B.    FRANKLIN,     M,dcc,xlv. 


45 


Assembly  at  Edinburgh,  February  10.  1645.  Sess.  16. 

Act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Kirk  of  Scotland, 
approving  the  Propositions  concerning  Kirk-Go- 
vernment, and  Ordination  of  Ministers. 


"J^HE  General  Assembly,  being  most  desirous  and  solicitous,  not  only  of  the 
Establishment  and  Preservation  of  the  Form  of  Kirk-govertnnent  in  this 
Kingdom,  according  to  the  Word  of-G  O  D  ,  Boohs  of  Discipline,  Acts  of 
General  Assemblies,  and  National  Covenant ;  but  also  of  an  Uniformity  in 
Kirk-government  betwixt  these  Kingdoms,  nozv  more  straitly  and  strongly 
united  by  the  late  Solemn  League  and  Covenant :  And  considering,  That  as 
in  former  Times  there  did,  so  hereafter  there  may  arise,  through  the  Near- 
ness of  Contagion,  manifold  Mischiefs  to  this  Kirk,  from  a  corrupt  Form  of 
Government  in  the  Kirk  of  England  :  Like  as  the  precious  Opportunity  of 
bringing  the  Kirks  of  Christ  in  all  the  three  Kingdoms  to  an  Uniformity  in 
Kirk-goVerumcnt,  being  the  Happiness  of  the  present  Times  above  the  former  ; 
which  may  also,  by  the  Blessing  of  God,  prove  an  effectual  Mean,  and  a  good 
Foundation  to  prepare  for  a  safe  and  well-grounded  Pacification,  by  remov- 
ing the  Cause  from  which  the  present  Pressures  and  bloody  Wars  did  origin- 
ally proceed :  And  now  the  Assembly  having  thrice  read,  and  diligently 
examined  the  Propositions  (hereunto  annexed)  concerning  the  Officers, 
Assemblies,  and  Government  of  the  Kirk  ;  and  concerning  the  Ordination  of 
Ministers,  brought  unto  us,  as  the  Results  of  the  long  and  learned  Debates  of 
the  Assembly  of  Divines  sitting  at  Westminster,  and  of  the  Treaty  of  Uni- 
formity with  the  Commissioners  of  this  Kirk  there  residing  ;  after  mature 
Deliberation,  and  after  timeous  Calling  upon  and  Warning  of  all,  who  have 
any  Exceptions  against  the  same,  to  make  them  known,  that  they  might 
receive  Satisfaction  ;  doth  agree  to  and  approve  the  Propositions  afore-men- 
tioned, touching  Kirk-government  and  Ordination  ;  and  doth  hereby  author- 
ize the  Commissioners  of  this  Assembly,  who  arc  to  meet  at  Edinburgh,  to 
agree  to,  and  conclude,  in  the  Ara?ne  of  this  Assembly,  an  Uniformity  betwixt 
the  Kirks  in  both  Kingdoms,  i?i  the  above-mentioned  Particulars,  so  soon  as 
the  same  shall  be  ratified,  without  any  substantial  Alteration,  by  an  Ordi- 
nance of  the  Honourable  Houses  of  the  Parliament  of  England :  Which 
Ratification  shall  be  timely  intimated  and  made  known  by  the  Commission' 
ers  of  this  Kirk  residing  at  London.  Provided  always,  That  this  Act  be 
nowise  prejudicial  to  the  further  Discussion  and  Examination  of  that  Article 
which  holds  forth,  that  the  Doctor  or  Teacher  hath  Poiver  of  the  Administra- 
tion of  the  Sacraments,  as  well  as  the  Pastor  ;  as  also  of  the  distinct  Rights 
and  Interests  of  Presbyteries  and  People,  in  the  Calling  of  Ministers  ■  But 
that  it  shall  be  free  to  debate  and  discuss  these  Points,  as  God  shall  be  pleased 
to  give  further  Light. 


THE 


46 


THE 

CONTENTS 


<THE  Preface. 

1     Of  the  Church. 
Of  the  Officers  of  the  Church. 
Pastors. 

Teacher  or  Doctor. 
Other  Church- Governors. 
Deacons. 

Of  particular  Congregations. 
Of  the  Officers  of  a  particular  Congregation. 
Of  the  Ordinances  in  a  particular  Congregation. 
Of  Church- Government,  and  the  several  Sorts   of  Assem- 
blies for  the  same. 
Of  the  Pozuer  in  Common  of  all  these  Assemblies. 
Of  Congregational  Assemblies,  that  is,   The  Meeting  of  the 
Puling    Officers   of  a  particular    Congregation^  for   the 
Government  thereof. 
Of  Classical  Assemblies. 
Of  Synodical  Assemblies. 
Of  Ordination  of  Ministers. 
Touching  the  Doctrine  of  Ordination. 
Touching  the  Power  of  Ordination. 

Concerning  the  Doctrinal  Part  of  the  Ordination  of  Mi- 
nisters. 
The  Directory  for  the  Ordination  of  Ministers. 


THE 


47 


THE 


FORM 


O   F 


Presbyterial  Church-Government, 

Agreed  upon  by  the  Assembly  of  Divines 
at  Westminster ;  Examined  and  Approved, 
Anno  1645,  by  the  General  Assembly 
of  the    Church   of  SCOTLAND,    &c. 


The     PREFACE. 

C^fESUS  CHRIST,  upon  whose  Shoulders  the  Go- 
T  vcriiment  is,  whose  Name  is  called  Wonderful,  Couu- 
J  sellor,  the  Mighty  God,  the  Everlasting  Father,  the 
Prince  of  Peace  a,  of  the  Increase  of  whose  Government  and 
Peace  there  shall  be  no  End,  who  sits  upon  the  Throne  of 
David,  and  upon  his  Kingdom,  to  order  it,  and  to  establish 
it  with  Judgment  and  Justice,  from  henceforth  even  for  ever, 
having  all  Power  given  unto  him  in  Heaven  and  in  Earth 
by  the  Father,  who  raised  him  from  the  Dead,  and  set  him 
at  his  own  Right-hand,  far  above  all  Principalities  and 
Power,  and  Might  and  Dominion,  and  every  Name  that  is 
named,  not  only  in  this  World,  but  also  in  that  which  is  to 
come,  and  put  all  Things  under  his  Feet,  and  gave  him  to  be 
the  Head  over  all  Things  to  the  Church,  which  is  his  Body, 
the  Fulness  of  him  that  filleth  all  in  all;  He  being  ascended 
up  far  above  all  Heavens,  that  he  might  fill  all  Things, 
received  Gifts  for  his  Church,  and  gave  Offices  necessary  j  or 
the  Edification  of  his  Church,  and  Perfecting  of  his  Saints  b. 


a  Isa.   ix.  6,   7.     b  Mat.  xxviii.   18,   19,  20.   Eph.  i.  20,  21,  22,  23, 
compared  with  Eph.  iv.  8,  II,  and  Psal.  lxviii.  18. 


48 


The  Form  of  Church- Government. 


Of  the    Church. 

THERE  is  one  General  Church  visible  held  forth  in 
the  New  Testament  a. 
The  Ministry,  Oracles,  and  Ordinances  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament, are   given  by  Jesus   Christ   to  the  General  Church 
visible,  for  the   gathering  and  perfecting   of  it  in  this  Life, 
until  his  second  Coming  b. 

Particular  visible  Churches,  Members  of  the  General 
Church,  are  also  held  forth  in  the  New  Testament  c. 
Particular  Churches,  in  the  primitive  Times,  were  made 
up  of  visible  Saints,  viz.  Of  such  as,  being  of  Age,  pro- 
fessed Faith  in  Christ,  and  Obedience  unto  Christ,  accord- 
in  c 


a  i  Cor.  xii.  12.  For  as  the  body 
is  one,  and  hath  many  members, 
and  all  the  members  of  that  one 
body  being  many,  are  one  body  :  so 
also  is  Christ,  v.  13.  For  by  one 
Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one 
body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gen- 
tiles, whether  we  be  bond  or  free : 
and  have  been  all  made  to  drink  in- 
to one  Spirit,  v.  28.  And  God  hath 
set  some  in  the  church;  first  apostles, 
secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teach- 
ers ;  after  that  miracles,  then  gifts 
of  healing,  helps,  governments, 
diversities  of  tongues.  Together 
with  the  rest  of  the  Chapter. 

b  1  Cor.  xii.  28.  See  before  Eph. 
iv.  4.  There  is  one  body,  and  one 
Spirit,  even  as  ye  are  called  in  one 
hope  of  your  calling,  v.  5.  One 
Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism.  Com- 
pared with  v.  10.  He  that  descended 
is  the  same  also  that  ascended  up  far 
above  all  heavens,  that  he  might 
fill  all  things,  v.  II.  And  he  gave 
some  apostles,  and  some  prophets, 
and  some  evangelists,  and  some  pa- 
stors and  teachers,  v.  12.  For  the 
perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of 
the  body  of  Christ,  v.  13.  Till  we 
all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith, 
and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of 


God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the 
measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness 
of  Christ,  v.  15.  But  speaking  the 
truth  in  love,  may  grow  up  unto 
him  in  all  things,  which  is  the 
head,  even  Christ,  v.  16.  From 
whom  the  whole  body  fitly  joined 
together,  and  compacted  by  that 
which  every  joint  supplieth,  accord- 
ing to  the  effectual  working  in  the 
measure  of  every  part,  making  in- 
crease of  the  body  unto  the  edify- 
ing of  it  self  in  love. 

c  Gal.  i.  21.  Afterwards  I  came 
into  the  region  of  Syria  and  Cilicia. 
v.  22.  And  was  unknown  by  face 
unto  the  churches  of  Judea,  which 
were  in  Christ.  Rev.  i.  4.  John 
to  the  seven  churches  of  Asia,  Grace 
be  unto  you,  and  peace  from  him 
which  is,  and  which  was,  and  which 
is  to  come,  and  from  the  seven  spi- 
rits which  are  before  his  throne. 
v.  20.  The  ministry  of  the  seven 
stars  which  thou  sawest  in  my  right- 
hand,  and  the  seven  golden  candle- 
sticks. The  seven  stars  are  the 
angels  of  the  seven  churches :  and 
the  seven  candlesticks  which  thou 
sawest,  are  the  seven  churches. ' 
Rev.  ii.  1.  Unto  the  angel  of  the 
church  of  Ephesus  write,  These 
things  saith  he  that  holdeth  the 
seven 


The  Form  of  Church- Government. 


49 


ding  to  the  Rules  of  Faith  and  Life,  taught  by  Christ  and  his 
Apostles  ;  and  of  their  Children  d. 


Of  the  Officers  of  the  Church. 

TH  E   Officers   which    Christ   hath    appointed   for   the 
Edification  of  his  Church,  and  the  Perfecting  of  the 
Saints,  are, 

Some  extraordinary,  as  Apostles,   Evangelists,    and   Pro- 
phets, which  are  ceased. 

Others  ordinary  and  perpetual,  as  Pastors,  Teachers,  and 
other  Church-governors,  and  Deacons. 

Pastors 


seven  stars  in  his  right-hand,  who 
walketh  in  the  midst  of  the  seven 
golden  candle-sticks. 

d  Acts  ii.  38.  Then  Peter  said 
unto  them,  Repent,  and  be  bap- 
tized in  the  name  of  Jesus  Chnst 
for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall 
receive  the  gift  of  the  holy  Ghost. 
v.  41.  Then  they  that  gladly  re- 
ceived his  word  were  baptized  ;  and 
the  same  day  there  were  added  unto 
them  about  three  thousand  souls,  v. 
47.  Praising  God,  and  having  favour 
with  all  the  people  ;  and  the  Lord 
added  to  the  church  daily  such  as 
should  be  saved .  Comparediaith  Acts 
v.  14.  And  believers  were  the  more 
added  to  the  Lord,  multitudes  both 
of  men  and  women.  1  Cor.  i.  2. 
Unto  the  church  of  God  which  is 
at  Corinth,  to  them  that  are  sancti- 
fied in  Christ  Jesus,  called  to  be 
saints,  with  all  that  in  every  place, 
call  upon  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  both  theirs  and  ours. 
Compared  with  2  Cor.  ix.  13.  Whiles 
by  the  experiment  of  this  ministra- 
tion, they  glorify  God  for  your  pro- 
fessed subjection  unto  the  gospel  of 
Christ,  and  for  your  liberal  distri- 
bution unto  them  and  unto  all  men. 
Acts  ii.  39.   For  the  promise  is  unto 


you,  and  to  your  children,  and  to 
all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many 
as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.  1  Cor. 
vii.  14.  For  the  unbelieving  husband 
is  sanctified  by  the  wife,  and  the  un- 
believing wife  is  sanctified  by  the 
husband  ;  else  were  your  children 
unclean,  but  now  are  they  holy. 
Rom.  xi.  16.  For  if  the  first  fruit  be 
holy,  the  lump  is  also  holy  ;  and  if 
the  root  be  holy, so  are  the  branches. 
Aiark  x.  14.  But  when  Jesus  saw 
it,  he  was  much  displeased,  and  said 
unto  them,  Suffer  the  little  children 
to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them 
not  :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
God.  Compared  with  Mat.  xix.  13. 
Then  were  there  brought  unto  him 
little  children,  that  he  should  put 
his  hand  on  them  and  pray  :  and  the 
disciples  rebuked  them.  v.  14.  But 
Jesus  said,  Suffer  little  children,  and 
forbid  them  not  to  come  unto  me  ; 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
Luke  xviii.  15.  And  they  brought 
unto  him  also  infants,  that  he  would 
touch  them  ;  but  when  his  disciples 
saw  it,  they  rebuked  them.  v.  16. 
But  Jesus  called  them  unto  him, 
and  said,  Suffer  little  children  to 
come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not  ; 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 
L  1  e  Jcr. 


50 


The  Form  of  Church- Government. 


Pastors. 

TH  E  Pastor  is  an  ordinary  and  perpetual  Officer  in 
the  Church  e,  prophesying  of  the  Time  of  the  Gospel/. 

.First,  It  belongs  to  his  Office, 

To  pray  for  and  with  his  Flock,  as  the  Mouth  of  the 
People  unto  God  g,  (Where  Preaching  and  Prayer  are 
joined  as  several  Parts  of  the  same  Office)  h.  The  Office  of 
the  Elder,  that  is  the  Pastor,  is  to  pray  for  the  Sick,  even  in 
private,  to  which  a  Blessing  is  especially  promised  ;  much 
more  therefore  ought  he  to  perform  this  in  the  publick  Exe- 
cution of  his  Office,  as  a  Part  thereof  i.  To 


e  Jer.  hi.  15.  And  I  will  give 
you  Pastors  according  to  mine 
heart,  which  shall  feed  you  with 
knowledge  and  understanding,  v. 
16.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  when 
ye  be  multiplied  and  increased  in 
the  land  ;  in  those  days,  saith  the 
Lord,  they  shall  say  no  more,  The 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  ; 
neither  shall  it  come  to  mind,  nei- 
ther shall  they  remember  it,  neither 
shall  they  visit  it,  neither  shall  that 
be  done  any  more.  v.  17.  At  that 
time  they  shall  call  Jerusalem  the 
throne  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  na- 
tions shall  be  gathered  unto  it,  to 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  Jerusalem: 
neither  shall  they  walk  any  more 
after  the  imagination  of  their  evil 
heart. 

f  1  Pet.  v.  2.  Feed  the  Flock  of 
God,  which  is  among  you,  taking 
the  oversight  thereof,  not  by  con- 
straint, but  willingly  ;  not  for  fil- 
thy lucre,  but  of  a  ready  mind.  v. 
3.  Neither  as  being  lords  over  God's 
heritage  ;  but  being  ensamples  to 
the  flock,  v.  4.  And  when  the 
chief  Shephred  shall  appear,  ye  shall 
receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth 
not  away.  Eph.  iv.  n.  And  he 
gave  some  apostles,  and  some 
prophets,  and  some  evangelists,  and 
some  pastors  and  teachers,  v.  12. 
For  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the 
edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ,    v. 


13.  Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity 
of  the  faith,  and  of  the  knowledge 
of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect 
man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stat- 
ure of  the  fulness  of  Christ. 

g  Acts  vi.  2.  Then  the  twelve 
called  the  multitude  of  the  disciples 
unto  them,  and  said,  It  is  not  reason 
that  we  should  leave  the  word  of 
God,  and  serve  tables,  v.  3.  Where- 
fore brethren,  look  ye  out  among 
you  seven  men  of  honest  report,  full 
of  the  holy  Ghost,  and  wisdom, 
whom  we  may  appoint  over  this 
business,  v.  4.  But  we  will  give 
ourselves  continually  to  prayer,  and 
to  the  ministry  of  the  word.  Acts 
xx.  36.  And  when  he  had  thus  spo- 
ken, he  kneeled  down  and  prayed 
with  them  all. 

h  James  v.  14.  Is  any  man  sick 
among  you  ?  let  him  call  for  the 
elders  of  the  church,  and  let  them 
pray  over  him,  anointing  him  with 
oil,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  v. 
15.  And  the  prayer  of  faith  shall 
save  the  sick,  and  the  Lord  shall 
raise  him  up  ;  and  if  he  have  com- 
mitted sins  they  shall  be  forgiven 
him. 

i  1  Cor.  xiv.  1 5.  What  is  it  then  ? 
I  will  pray  with  the  spirit,  and  I 
will  pray  with  the  understanding  al- 
so :  I  will  sing  with  the  spirit,  and 
I  will  sing  with  the  understanding 
also.  v.  16.  Else  when  thou  shalt 
bless  with  the  spirit,  how  shall  he 
that 


The  Form  of  Church- Government. 


5i 


To  read  the  Scriptnres  publickly  ;  for  the  Proof  of  which, 

1.  That  the  Priests  and  Levites,  in  the  Jewish  Church, 
were  trusted  with  the  publick  Reading  of  the  Word,  as  is 
proved  k. 

2.  That  the  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  have  as  ample  a 
Charge  and  Commission  to  dispense  the  Word,  as  well  as 
other  Ordinances,  as  the  Priests  and  Levites  had  under  the 
Law,  proved  / ;  where  our  Saviour  entituleth  the  Officers  ot 
the  New  Testament,  whom  he  will  send  forth,  by  the  same 
Names  of  the  Teachers  of  the  Old. 

Which  Propositions  prove,  that  therefore  (the  Duty  being 
of  a  moral  Nature)  it  followeth  by  just  Consequence,  that 
the  publick  Reading  of  the  Scriptures  belongeth  to  the 
Pastor's  Office. 

To  feed  the  Flock,  by  Preaching  of  the  Word,  according 
to  which  he  is  to  teach,  convince,  reprove,  exhort,  and  com- 
fort m.  1  ° 


that  occupieth  the  room  of  the  un- 
learned, say  Amen  at  thy  giving  of 
thanks,  seeing  he  understandeth 
not  what  thou  sayest  ? 

IzDeut.  xxxi.  9.  And  Moses  wrote 
this  law,  and  delivered  it  unto  the 
priests  the  sons  of  Levi,  which  bare 
the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord,  and  unto  all  the  elders  of 
Israel,  v.  10.  And  Moses  com- 
manded them,  saying,  At  the  end 
of  every  seven  years,  is  the  solem- 
nity of  the  year  of  release,  in  the 
feast  of  tabernacles,  v.  II.  When 
all  Israel  is  come  to  appear  before 
the  Lord  thy  God,  in  the  place 
which  -he  shall  choose  ;  thou  shalt 
read  this  law  before  all  Israel  in 
their  hearing.  Neh.  viii.  1.  And 
all  the  people  gathered  themselves 
together  as  one*  man,  into  the  street 
that  was  before  the  water-gate,  and 
they  spake  unto  Ezra  the  scribe,  to 
bring  the  book  of  the  law  of  Moses, 
which  the  Lord  had  commanded  to 
Israel,  v.  2.  And  Ezra  the  priest 
brought  the  law  before  the  congre- 
gation, both  of  men  and  women, 
and  all  that  could  hear  with  under- 
standing, upon  the  first  day  of  the 


seventh  month,  v.  3.  And  he  read 
therein,  v.  13.  And  on  the  second 
day  were  gathered  together  the 
chief  of  the  fathers  of  all  the  peo- 
ple, the  priests  and  the  levites,  unto 
Ezra  the  scribe,  even  to  understand 
the  words  of  the  law. 

/  Isa.  lxvi.  21.  And  I  will  also 
take  of  them  for  priests,  and  for 
Levites,  saith  the  Lord.  Match. 
xxiii.  34.  Wherefore  behold,  I  send 
unto  you  prophets,  and  wise  men, 
and  scribes,  and  some  of  them  ye 
shall  kill  and  crucify,  and  some  of 
them  shall  ye  scourge  in  your  syna- 
gogues, and  persecute  them  from 
city  to  city. 

m  1  Tim.  Hi.  2.  A  Bishop  then 
must  be  blameless,  the  husband  of 
one  wife,  viligant,  sober,  of  good 
behaviour,  given  to  hospitality,  apt 
to  teach.  2  Tim.  hi.  1 6.  All  scrip- 
ture is  given  by  inspiration  of  God, 
and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for 
reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruc- 
tion in  righteousness,  v.  17.  That 
the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect, 
throughly  furnished  unto  all  good 
works.  Tit.  i.  9.  Holding  fast  the 
faithful  words  as  he  hath  been 
L 1 2  taught 


52 


The  Form  of  Church-Government. 


To  Catechise,  which  is  a  plain  laying  down  the  first  Prin- 
ciples of  the  Oracles  of  God  n,  or  of  the  Doctrine  of  Christ, 
and  is  a  Part  of  Preaching. 

To  dispense  other  divine  Mysteries  o. 

To  administer  the  Sacraments/. 

To  bless  the  People  from  God,  Numb.  iv.  23,  24,  25,  26. 
compared  with  Rev.  xiv.  5.  (where  the  same  Blessings,  and 
Persons  from  whom  they  come,  are  expressly  mentioned  g) 
Isa.  Ixvi.  21.  where,  under  the  Names  of  Priests  and  Levites 
to  be  continued  under  the  Gospel,  are  meant  evangelical 
Pastors,  who  therefore  are  by  Office  to  bless  the  People  r. 

To 


taught,  that  he  may  be  able  by 
sound  doctrine,  both  to  exhort  aud 
to  convince  the  gainsayers. 

n  Heb.  v.  12.  For  when  for  the 
time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers,  ye 
have  need  that  one  teach  you  again, 
which  be  the  first  principles  of  the 
oracles  of  God,  and  are  become 
such  as  have  need  of  milk,  and  not 
of  strong  meat. 

o  1  Cor.  iv.  1.  Let  a  man  so  ac- 
count of  us  as  of  the  ministers  of 
Christ  and  the  stewards  of  the 
mysteries  of  God.  v.  2.  Moreover, 
it  is  required  in  stewards,  that  a 
man  he  found  faithful. 

p  Mat.  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  there- 
fore and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  holy 
Ghost,  v.  20.  Teaching  them  to 
observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you ;  and  lo,  I  am 
with  you  aiway,  unto  the  end  of 
the  world,  Amen.  Mark  xvi.  15. 
And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  into 
all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel 
unto  every  creature.  v.  16.  He 
that  belie veth  and  is  baptized  shall 
be  saved,  but  he  that  believeth  not 
shall  be  damned.  1  Cor.  xi.  23. 
For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that 
which  also  I  delivered  unto  you, 
That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same 
night  in  which  he  was  betrayed 
took  bread,  v.  24.  And  when  he 
had  given  thanks,  he  brake  it,  and 
said,  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body, 


which  is  broken  for  you  ;  this  do  in 
remembrance  of  me.  v.  25.  After 
the  same  manner  also  he  took  the 
cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying, 
This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in 
my  blood,  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye 
drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me. 
Compared  with  1  Cor.  x.  26.  The 
cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it 
not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of 
Christ  ?  the  bread  which  we  break, 
is  it  not  the  communion  of  the 
body  of  Christ  ? 

q  Numb.  vi.  23.  Speak  unto 
Aaron,  and  unto  his  sons,  saying, 
On  this  wise  ye  shall  bless  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  saying  unto  them,  v. 
24.  The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep 
thee.  v.  25.  The  Lord  make  his 
face  lo  shine  upon  thee.  v.  26. 
The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance 
upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace. 
Compared  with  Rev.  i.  4.  John,  to 
the  seven  churches  which  are  in  Asia, 
Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace  from 
him  which  is,  and  which  was,  and 
which  is  to  come,  and  from  the 
seven  spirits  which  are  before  his 
throne,  v.  5.  And  from  Jesus 
Christ,  who  is  the  faithful  witness, 
and  the  first  begotten  of  the  dead, 
and  the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the 
earth  :  Isa.  vi.  21.  And  I  will  also 
take  of  them  for  priests,  and  for 
Levites,  saith  the  Lord. 

r  Dent.  x.  8.   At  that  time  the 

Lord  separated  the  tribe  of  Levi,  to 

bear 


The  Form  of  Church-government. 


53 


To  take  Care  of  the  Poor  s. 

And   he  hath  also   a  Ruling  Power  over   the   Flock  as  a 

Past°l"  *•  Teacher 


bear  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord,  to  stand  before  the  Lord,  to 
minister  unto  him,  and  to  bless  in 
his  name  unto  this  day.  2  Cor.  xiii. 
14.  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and 
the  communion  of  the  holy  Ghost, 
be  with  you  all,  Amen.  Eph.  i.  2. 
Grace  be  to  you,  and  peace  from 
God  our  Father,  and  from  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

s  Acts  xi.  30.  Which  also  they 
did,  and  sent  it  to  the  elders  by  the 
hands  of  Barnabas  and  Saul.  Acts 
iv.  34.  Neither  was  there  any  a- 
mong  you  that  lacked,  for  as  many 
as  were  possessors  of  lands  or  houses, 
sold  them,  and  brought  the  price  of 
the  things  that  were  sold,  v.  35. 
And  laid  them  down  at  the  apostles 
feet,  and  distribution  was  made  un- 
to every  man  according  as  he  had 
need.  v.  36.  And  Joses,  who  by 
the  apostles  was  sir-named  Barna- 
bas, (which  is  being  interpreted,  the 
son  of  consolation)  a  Levite,  and  of 
the  country  of  Cyprus,  v.  37.  Hav- 
ing land,  sold  it,  and  brought  the 
money  and  laid  it  at  the  apostles 
feet.  Acts  vi.  2.  Then  the  twelve 
called  the  multitude  of  the  disciples 
unto  them,  and  said  it  is  not  reason 
that  we  should  leave  the  word  of 
God  and  serve  tables,  v.  3.  Where- 
fore, Brethren,  look  you  out  among 
you  seven  men  of  honest  report,  full 
of  the  holy  Ghost  and  wisdom,  whom 
ye  may  appoint  over  this  business. 
v.  4.  But  we  will  give  ourselves  con- 
tinually to  prayer,  and  to  the  mini- 
stry of  the  word.  I  Cor.  xvi.  I. 
Now  concerning  the  collection  for 
the  saints,  as  I  have  given  order  to 
the  churches  of  Galatia,  even  so  do 
ye.  v.  2.  Upon  the  first  day  of  the 
week,  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by 


him  in  store  as  God  hath  prospered 
him,  that  there  be  no  gathering 
when  I  come.  v.  3.  And  when  I 
come,  whomsoever  ye  shall  approve 
by  your  letters,  them  will  I  send  to 
bring  your  liberality  to  Jerusalem. 
z>.  4.  And  if  it  be  meet  that  I  go 
also,  they  shall  go  with  me.  Gal. 
ii.  9.  And  when  James,  Cephas  and 
John,  who  seemed  to  be  pillars, 
perceived  the  grace  that  was  given 
unto  me,  they  gave  to  me  and  Bar- 
nabas the  right-hands  of  fellowship, 
that  we  should  go  unto  the  heathen, 
and  they  unto  the  circumcision. 
v.  10.  Only  they  would  that  we 
should  remember  the  poor,  the  same 
which  I  also  was  forward  to  do. 

t  1  Tim.  v.  17.  Let  the  elders 
that  rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honour,  especially,  they  who 
labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine. 
Acts  xx.  17.  And  from  Miletus  he 
sent  to  Ephesus,  and  called  the 
elders  of  the  church,  v.  2S.  Take 
heed  therefore  unto  your  selves,  and 
to  all  the  flock  over  the  which  the 
holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  over- 
seers, to  feed  the  church  of  God, 
which  he  hath  purchased  with  his 
own  blood.  1  Thcss.  v.  12.  And 
we  beseech  you  brethren,  to  know 
them  which  labour  among  you,  and 
are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  ad- 
monish you.  Jleb.  xiii.  7.  Remem- 
ber them  which  have  the  rule  over 
you,  who  have  spoken  unto  you  the 
word  of  God:  whose  faith  follow, 
considering  the  end  of  their  conver- 
sation, v.  17.  Obey  them  that 
have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit 
your  selves,  for  they  watch  for  your 
souls,  as  they  that  must  give  ac- 
count :  that  they  may  do  it  with 
joy,  and  not  with  grief,  for  that  is 
unprofitable  for  you. 

L  1  3  v  1  Cor. 


54 


The  Form  of  CJiurch   Government. 


Teacher  or  Doctor. 


TH  E  Scripture  doth  hold  out  the  Name  and  Title  of 
Teacher,  as  well  as  of  the  Pastor  v. 
Who  is  also  a  Minister  of  the  Word  as  well  as  the  Pastor, 
and  hath  Power  of  Administration  of  the  Sacraments. 

The  Lord  having  given  different  Gifts,  and  divers  Exer- 
cises according  to  these  Gifts,  in  the  Ministry  of  the  Word 
7V,  though  these  different  Gifts  may  meet  in,  and  accordingly 
be  exercised  by  one  and  the  same  Minister  x  ;  yet,  where  be 
several  Ministers  in  the  same  Congregation,  they  may  be 
designed  to  several  Imployments,  according  to  the  different 
Gifts  in  which  each  of  them  doth  most  excel  y.  And  he 
that  doth  more  excel  in  Exposition  of  Scriptures,  in  teaching 
sound  Doctrine,  and  in  convincing  Gainsayers,  than  he 
doth  in   Application,  and  is   accordingly   imployed   therein, 

may 


v  i  Cor.  xii.  28.  And  God  bath 
set  some  in  the  church,  first  apos- 
tles, secondarily  prophets,  thirdly 
teachers  :  after  that  miracles,  then 
gifts  of  healing,  helps,  governments, 
diversities  of  tongues.  Eph.  iv.  11. 
And  he  gave  some  apostles,  and 
some  prophets,  and  some  evange- 
lists, and  some  pastors  and  teachers. 

w  Rom.  xii.  6.  Having  then  gifts 
differing  according  to  the  grace  that 
is  given  to  us,  whether  prophecy, 
let  us  prophesy  according  to  the 
proportion  of  faith,  v.  7.  Or  mini- 
stry, let  us  wait  on  our  ministring  : 
or  lie  that  teacheth,  on  teaching. 
v.  8.  He  that  exhorteth,  on  exhor- 
tation :  he  that  giveth,  let  him  do 
it  with  simplicity:  he  that  ruleth, 
with  diligence  :  he  that  sheweth 
mercy,  with  cheerfulness.  1  Cor. 
xii.  1.  Now  concerning  spiritual 
gifts,  brethren,  I  would  not  have 
you  ignorant,  v.  4.  Now  there 
are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the  same 
spirit,  and  there  are  diversities  of 


operations,  but  it' is  the  same  God, 
which  worketh  all  in  all.  v.  5. 
And  there  are  differences  of  admi- 
nistration, but  the  same  Lord.  v. 
6.  And  there  are  diversities  of 
operations,  but  it  is  the  same  God, 
which  worketh  all  in  all.  v.  7. 
But  the  manifestation  of  the  Spirit 
is  given  to  every  man  to  profit 
withal. 

x  1  Cor.  xiv.  3.  But  he  that  pro- 
phesieth  speaketh  unto  men  to  edi- 
fication, and  exhortation  and  com- 
fort. 2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Preach  the 
word,  be  instant  in  season,  out  of 
season,  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort 
with  all  long-suffering,  and  doctrine. 
Tit.  i.  9.  Holding  fast  the  faithful 
word  as  he  hath  been  taught,  that 
he  may  be  able  by  sound  Doctrine 
both  to  exhort  and  to  convince  the 
gainsayers. 

y  See  in  letter  w  immediately 
preceding.  I  Pet.  iv.  10.  As  every 
man  hath  received  the  gift,  even 
so  minister  the  same  one  to  ano- 
ther, 


The  Form  of  Church-Government. 


55 


may  be  called  a  Teacher,  or  Doctor  (the  Places  alledged 
by  the  Notation  of  the  Word  doth  prove  the  Proposition.) 
Nevertheless,  where  is  but  one  Minister  in  a  particular  Con- 
gregation, he  is  to  perform  so  far  as  he  is  able  the  whole 
Work  of  the  Ministry  z. 

A  Teacher  or  Doctor  is  of  most  excellent  Use  in  Schools 
and  Universities  ;  as  of  old  in  the  Schools  of  the  Prophets, 
and  at  Jerusalem,  where  Gamaliel  and  others  taught  as 
Doctors. 


Other  Church   Governors. 


S  there  were  in  the  Jewish  Church,  Elders  of  the 
People  joined  with  the  Priests  and  Levites  in  the 
Government  of  the  Church  a :  So  Christ,  who  hath  in- 
stituted a  Government,  and  Governors  Ecclesiastical  in 
the  Church,  hath  furnished  some  in  his  Church,  beside 
the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  with  Gifts  for  Government, 
and    with    Commission    to    execute    the    same   when  called 

there- 


ther,  as  good  stewards  of  the  mani- 
fold grace  of  God.  v.  II.  If  any 
man  speak,  let  him  speak  as  the 
oracles  of  God  ;  if  any  man  minis- 
ter, let  him  do  it  as  of  the  ability 
which  God  giveth,  that  God  in  all 
things  may  be  glorified  through 
Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  be  praise, 
and  dominion,  for  ever  and  ever, 
Amen. 

z  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Preach  the  word, 
be  instant  in  season,  out  of  season, 
reprove,  rebuke,  exhort  with  all 
long-suffering  and  doctrine.  Tit. 
i.  9.  Holding  fast  the  faithful  word 
as  he  hath  been  taught,  that  he  may 
be  able  by  sound  doctrine,  both  to 
exhort  and  to  convince  the  gain- 
sayers.  1  Tim.  vi.  2.  And  they 
that  have  believing  masters,  let 
them  not  despise  them,  because 
they  are  brethren,  but  rather  do 
them  service,  because  they  are  faith- 


ful and  beloved,  partakers  of  the 
benefits:  these  things  teach  and  ex- 
hort. 

a  2  Chron.  xix.  S.  Moreover,  in 
Jerusalem  did  Jehoshaphat  set  of 
the  Levites,  and  of  the  priests,  and 
of  the  chief  of  the  fathers  of  Israel, 
for  the  judgment  of  the  Lord,  and 
for  controversies,  when  they  re- 
turned to  Jerusalem,  v.  9.  And  he 
charged  them,  saying,  Thus  shall 
ye  do  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  faith- 
fully, and  with  a  perfect  heart,  v. 
IO.  And  what  cause  soever  shall 
come  to  you  of  your  brethren  that 
dwell  in  their  cities,  between  blood 
and  blood,  between  law,  and  com- 
mandment, and  statutes,  and  judg- 
ments, ye  shall  even  warn  them  that 
they  trespass  not  against  the  Lord, 
and  so  wrath  come  upon  you,  and 
upon  your  brethren  ;  this  do  and 
ye  shall  not  trespass. 

L  1  4  b  Rom. 


56 


The  Form  of  Church- Government. 


thereunto,  who  are  to  join  with  the  Minister  in  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  Church  b. 

Which     Officers,    Reformed    Churches    commonly     call 
Elders. 

Deacons. 

TH  E   Scripture    doth   hold   out    Deacons,    as    distinct 
Officers  in  the  Church  c. 
Whose  Office  is  perpetual  d.     To  whose  Office  it  belongs 
not  to  Preach  the  Word  or  Administer  the  Sacraments,  but 
to  take  special  Care  in  distributing  to  the  Necessities  of  the 
Poor  e. 

Of  particular    Congregations. 

IT  is  lawful  and  expedient  that  there  be  fixed  Congrega- 
tions, that  is,  a  certain  Company  of  Christians  to  meet 
in  one  Assembly  ordinarily  for  publick  Worship.  When 
Believers  multiply  to  such  a  Number,  that  they  cannot 
conveniently  meet  in  one  Place,  it  is  lawful  and  expedient 
that   they  should    be    divided   into   distinct  and  fixed  Con- 

gre- 


b  Rom.  xii.  7.  Or  ministry,  let 
us  wait  on  our  ministring :  or  he 
that  teacheth,  on  teaching,  v.  8. 
Or  he  that  exhorteth,  on  exhorta- 
tion :  he  that  giveth,  let  him  do  it 
with  simplicity :  he  that  ruleth, 
with  diligence  :  he  that  sheweth 
mercy,  with  cheerfulness.  1  Cor. 
xii.  28.  And  God  hath  set  some  in 
the  church,  first  apostles,  seconda- 
rily prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  af- 
ter that  miracles,  then  gifts  of  heal- 
ings, helps,  governments,  diversi- 
ties of  tongues. 

c  Phil.  i.  1.  Paul  and  Timotheus, 
the  servants  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  all 
saints  in  Christ  Jesus,  which  are  at 
Philippi  with  the  bishops  and  dea- 
cons. 1  Tim.  iii.  S.  Likewise  must 
the  deacons  be  grave,  not  double- 
tongued,  not  given  to  much  wine, 
not  greedy  of  filthy  lucre. 

d  1    Tim.   iii.  8.   Likewise  must 


the  deacons  be  grave,  not  double- 
tongued,  not  given  to  much  wine, 
not  greedy  of  filthy  lucre.  See  in 
the  Bible  to  v.  15.  Acts  vi.  1.  And 
in  those  days  when  the  number  of 
the  disciples  was  multiplied,  there 
arose  a  murmuring  of  the  Grecians 
against  the  Hebrews,  because  their 
widows  were  neglected  in  the  daily 
ministration,  v.  2.  Then  the  twelve 
called  the  multitude  of  the  disciples 
unto  them,  and  said,  It  is  not  reason 
that  we  should  leave  the  word  and 
serve  tables.  v.  3.  Wherefore 
brethren,  look  you  out  among  you 
seven  men  of  honest  report,  full  of 
the  holy  Ghost,  and  wisdom,  whom 
we  may  appoint  over  this  business. 
v.  4.  But  we  will  give  our  selves 
continually  to  prayer,  and  to  the 
ministry  of  the  word. 

e  Acts  vi.  1,  2,  3,  4.     See  before 
in  letter  d. 

/  1  Cor. 


The  Form  of  Church-Govcrnmnnt . 


57 


gregations,  for  the  better  Administration  of  such  Ordinan- 
ces as  belong  unto  them,  and  the  Discharge  of  mutual 
Duties/. 

The  ordinary  Way  of  dividing  Christians  into  distinct  Con- 
gregations, and  most  expedient  for  Edification,  is  by  the 
respective  Bounds  of  their  Dwellings; 

First,  Because  they  who  dwell  together,  being  bound  to 
all  kind  of  moral  Duties  one  to  another,  have  the  better 
Opportunity  thereby  to  discharge  them  ;  which  moral  Tye 
is  perpetual,  for  Christ  came  not  to  destroy  the  Law,  but  to 
fulfil  it  g. 

Secondly,  The  Communion  of  Saints  must  be  so  ordered, 
as  may  stand  with  the  most  convenient  Use  of  the  Ordinan- 
ces, and  Discharge  of  moral  Duties,  without  Respect  of  Per- 
sons h. 

Thirdly,  The  Pastor  and  People  must  so  nearly  cohabit 
together,  as  that  they  may  mutually  perform  their  Duties 
each  to  other  with  most  Conveniency. 

In  this  Company  some  must  be  set  apart  to  bear  Office. 


F 


Of  the  Officers  of  a  particular  Congregation. 

O  R.   Officers  in   a    single   Congregation,   there    ought 
to    be    one    at    the  least,  both   to  labour  in  the  Word 

and 


f  I  Cor.  xiv.  26.  Let  all  things 
be  done  unto  edifying,  v.  33.  For 
God  is  not  the  author  of  con- 
fusion, but  of  peace,  as  in  all 
churches  of  the  saints,  v.  40.  Let 
all  things  be  done  decently,  and  in 
order. 

g  Dent.  xv.  7.  If  there  be  among 
you  a  poor  man  of  one  of  thy  bre- 
thren within  any  of  thy  gates,  in 
the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee,  thou  shalt  not  harden 
thy  heart,  nor  shut  thy  hand  from 
thy  poor  brother,  v.  II.  For  the 
poor  shall  never  cease  out  of  the 
land  ;  therefore  I  command  thee, 
saying,  Thou  shalt  open  thy  hand 
wide  unto  thy  brother,  to  the  poor, 
and  to  the  needy  in  the  land.  Mat. 
xxii.  39.  And  the  second  is  like 
unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neigh- 


bour as  thyself.  Mat.  v.  17.  Think 
not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the 
law  or  the  prophets,  I  am  not  come 
to  destroy,  but  to  fulfil. 

k  1  Cor.  xiv.  26.  Let  all  things 
be  done  unto  edifying.  Heb.  x. 
24.  And  let  us  consider  one  ano- 
ther, to  provoke  unto  love,  and  to 
good  works,  v.  25.  Not  forsaking 
the  assembling  of  ourselves  toge- 
ther, as  the  manner  of  some  is  ; 
but  exhorting  one  another,  and  so 
much  the  more,  as  ye  eee  the  day 
approaching.  James  ii.  1.  My 
brethren,  have  not  the  faith  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord  of  glo- 
ry, witli  respect  of  persons,  v.  2. 
For  if  there  come  into  your  as- 
sembly a  man  with  a  gold  ring,  in 
goodly  apparel,  and  there  come  in 
also  a  poor  man  in  vile  raiment. 

i  Prov. 


ss 


The  Form  of  Church- Government. 


and  Doctrine,  and  to  Rule  i. 

It  is  also  requisite  that  there  should  be  others  to  join  in 
Government  k. 

And  likewise  it  is  requisite  that  there  be  others  to  take 
special  Care  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor  /. 

The  Number  of  each  of  which  is  to  be  proportioned 
according  to  the  Condition  of  the  Congregation. 

These  Officers  are  to  meet  together  at  convenient  and  set 
Times,  for  the  well-ordering  of  the  Affairs  of  that  Congrega- 
tion, each  according  to  his  Office. 

It  is  most  expedient  that,  in  these  Meetings,  One  whose 
Office  is  to  labour  in  the  Word  in  Doctrine,  do  moderate  in 
their  Proceedings  m. 


Of  the  Ordinances  in  a  particular  Congregation. 

THE  Ordinances  in  a  single  Congregation  are  Prayer, 
Thanksgiving,  and  Singing  of  Psalms  n,  the  Word 
read  (although  there  follow  no  immediate  Explication  of 
what  is  read)  the  Word  expounded  and  applied,  Catechising, 
the  Sacraments  administred,  Collection  made  for  the  Poor, 
Dismissing  the  People  with  a  Blessing.  n  . 

i  Prov  xxix.  18.  Where  there  is 
no  vision  the  people  perish  ;  hut  he 
that  keepeth  the  law,  happy  is  he. 
I  Tim.  v.  17.  Let  the  elders  that 
rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honour,  especially  they  who 
labour  in  word  and  doctrine.  Hep. 
xiii.  7.  Remember  them  which  have 
the  rule  over  you,  who  have  spoken 
unto  you  the  word  of  God,  whose 
faith  follow,  considering  the  end  of 
their  conversation. 

k  1  Cor.  xii.  28.  And  God  hath 
set  some  in  the  church  ;  first  apo- 
stles, secondarily  prophets,  thirdly 
teachers,  after  that  miracles,  then 
gifts  of  healings,  helps,  govern- 
ments, diversities  of  tongues. 

/  Acts  vi.  2.  Then  the  twelve 
called  the  multitude  of  the  disciples 
unto  them,  and  said,  It  is  not  rea- 
son that  we  should  leave  the  word 
of  God,  and   serve    tables,     v.   3. 


Wherefore,  brethren,  look  ye  out 
among  you  seven  men  of  honest 
report,  full  of  the  holy  Ghost,  and 
wisdom,  whom  ye  might  appoint 
over  this  business. 

m  1  Tim.  v.  17.  Let  the  elders 
that  rule  well,  be  accounted  worthy 
of  double  honour,  especially  they 
who  labour  in  the  word  and  doc- 
trine. 

n  1  Tim.  ii.  1.  I  exhort  there- 
fore, that  first  of  all,  supplications, 
prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of 
thanks  be  made  for  all  men.  1  Cor. 
xiv,  15.  What  is  it  then?  I  will 
pray  with  the  spirit,  and  will  pray 
with  the  understanding  also  :  1  will 
sing  with  the  spirit,  and  I  will  sing 
with  the  understanding  also.  v.  16. 
Else  when  thou  shalt  bless  with  the 
spirit,  how  shall  he  that  occupieth 
the  room  of  the  unlearned,  say  A- 
men  at  thy  giving  of  thanks,  seeing 

lie 


The  Form  of  Church-Government. 


59 


Of    Church-government,    and    the    several    Sorts   of 
Assemblies  for   the   same. 

CHRIST  hath  instituted  a  Government,  and  Governors 
Ecclesiastical  in  the  Church  :  To  that  Purpose,  the 
Apostles  did  immediately  receive  the  Keys  from  the  Hand 
of  Jesus  Christ,  and  did  use  and  exercise  them  in  all  the 
Churches  of  the  World  upon  all  Occasions. 

And  Christ  hath  since  continually  furnished  some  in  his 
Church  with  Gifts  of  Government,  and  with  Commission  to 
execute  the  same,  when  called  thereunto. 

It  is  lawful,  and  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  God,  that  the 
Church  be  governed  by  several  Sorts  of  Assemblies,  which 
are  Congregational,  'Classical,  and  Synodical. 


Of  the  Poivcr  in  common  of  all  these  Assemblies. 

IT  is  lawful  and  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  God,  that  the 
several  Assemblies  before-mentioned  have  Power  to  con- 
vent, and  call  before  them  any  Person  within  their  several 
Bounds,  whom  the  Ecclesiastical  Business  which  is  before 
them  doth  concern  o. 

They  have  Power  to  hear  and  determine  such  Causes  and 
Differences  as  do  orderly  come  before  them. 

It  is  lawful,  and  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  God,  that  all 
the  said  Assemblies  have  some  Power  to  dispense  Church- 
Censures. 

Of 


he  understahdeth   not    what    thou 
sayest  ? 

o  Mat.  xviii.  15.  Moreover,  if  thy 
brother  shall  trespass  against  thee, 
go  and  tell  him  bis  fault  between 
thee  and  him  alone  :  if  he  shall  hear 
thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother. 
v.  16.  But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee, 
then  take  with  thee  one  or  two 
more,  that  in  the  mouth  of  two  or 
three  witnesses  every  word  may  be 
established,  v.  17.  And  if  he  shall 
neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto 
the  church  :  but  if  he  neglect  to 
hear  the  church,  let   him  be  unto 


thee  as  an  heathen  man,  and  a 
publican,  v.  iS.  Verily,  I  say  unto 
you,  Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on 
earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven  : 
and  whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on 
earth,  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven. 
v.  19.  Again,  1  say  unto  you,  That 
if  two  of  you  shall  agree  on  earth, 
as  touching  any  thing  that  they 
shall  ask,  it  shall  be  clone  for  them 
of  my  father,  which  is  in  heaven. 
v.  20.  For  where  two  or  three  are 
gathered  together  in  my  name, 
there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them. 

/  Ileb. 


6o 


The  Form  of  Church- Government. 


Of  Congregational  Assemblies,  that  is,  the  Meeting 
of  the  Ruling  Officers  of  a  particular  Congregati- 
on for  the  Government  thereof. 


TH  E  Ruling  Officers  of  a  particular  Congregation 
have  Power,  authoritatively,  to  call  before  them 
any  Member  of  the  Congregation,  as  they  shall  see  just 
Occasion. 

To  enquire  into  the  Knowledge  and  Spiritual  Estate  of  the 
several  Members  of  the  Congregation. 

To  Admonish  and  Rebuke. 

Which    three    Branches    are    proved 
i  Thess.  v.  12,  13.   Ezek.  xxxiv.  4.  p. 

Authoritative    Suspension    from    the 
Person  not  yet  cast  out  of  the  Church,  is  agreeable  to  the 
Scripture, 

First,  Because  the  Ordinance  itself  must  not  be  pro- 
faned. 

Secondly,  Because  we  are  charged  to  withdraw  from  these 
that  walk  disorderly. 

Thirdly,  Because  of  the  great  Sin  and  Danger,  both  to 
him  that  comes  unworthily,  and  also  to  the  whole 
Church   q.     And    there    was    Power   and   Authority,    under 

the 


by    Heb.    xiii.     17. 
Lord's    Table    of  a 


p  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Obey  them  that 
have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit 
your  selves,  for  they  watch  for  your 
souls,  as  they  that  must  give  ac- 
count, that  they  may  do  it  with 
joy,  and  not  with  grief;  for  that  is 
unprofitable  for  you.  1  Thess.  v. 
12.  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren, 
to  know  them  which  labour  among 
you,  and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord, 
and  admonish  you.  v.  13.  And  to 
esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for 
their  works  sake,  and  be  at  peace 
among  your  selves.  Exek.  xxxiv.  4. 
The  diseased  have  ye  not  strength- 
ned,  neither  have  ye  healed  that 
which  was  sick,  neither  have  ye 
bound  up  that  which  was  broken, 
neither  have  ye  brought  again  that 
which   was    driven    away,    neither 


have  ye  fought  that  which  was  lost  : 
but  with  force  and  with  cruelty, 
have  ye  ruled  them. 

q  A/at.  vii.  6.  Give  not  that 
which  is  holy  unto  the  dogs,  neither 
cast  your  pearls  before  swine,  lest 
they  trample  them  under  their  feet, 
and  turn  again,  and  rent  you.  2 
Thess.  iii.  6.  Now  we  command 
you,  Brethren,  in  the  Name  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  withdraw 
your  selves  from  every  brother  that 
walketh  disorderly,  and  not  after  the 
tradition  which  he  received  of  us. 
v.  14.  And  if  any  man  obey  not 
our  word  by  this  epistle,  note  that 
man,  and  have  no  company  with 
him,  that  he  may  be  ashamed,  v. 
15.  Yet  count  him  not  as  an  ene- 
my, but  admonish  him  as  a  brother. 
I  Cor. 


The  Form  of  Church-Government. 


61 


the  Old  Testament,  to  keep  unclean  Persons  from  holy 
Things  r. 

The  like  Power  and  Authority,  by  way  of  Analogy,  con- 
tinues under  the  New  Testament. 

The  Ruling  Officers  of  a  particular  Congregation  have 
Power  authoritatively  to  suspend  from  the  Lord's  Table  a 
Person  not  yet  cast  out  of  the  Church. 

First,  Because  those  who  have  Authority  to  judge  of,  and 
admit  such  as  are  tit  to  receive  the  Sacrament,  have  Author- 
ity to  keep  back  such  as  shall  be  found  unworthy. 

Secondly,  Because  it  is  an  Ecclesiastical  Business  of  ordi- 
nary Practice  belonging  to  that  Congregation. 

When  Congregations  are  divided  and  fixed,  they  need  all 
mutual  Help  one  from  another,  both  in  regard  of  their  in- 
trinsical  Weaknesses  and  mutual  Dependance,  as  also  in 
regard  of  Enemies  from  without. 


Of   Classical  Assemblies. 

TH  E    Scripture    doth    hold    out    a    Presbytery    in     a 
Church  s.  A 


I  Cor.  xi.  27.  Wherefore,  whoso- 
ever shall  eat  this  bread,  or  drink 
this  cup  of  the  Lord  unworthily, 
shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood 
of  the  Lord.  So  on  to  the  end  of 
the  chapter.  Compared  with  yude, 
verse  23.  And  others  save  with 
fear,  pulling  them  out  of  the  fire  ; 
hating  even  the  garment  spotted  by 
the  flesh.  1  Tim.  v.  22.  Lay 
hands  suddenly  on  no  man,  neither 
be  partaker  of  other  mens  sins. 
Keep  thy  self  pure. 

r  Lev.  xiii.  5.  And  the  priest  shall 
look  on  him  the  seventh  day  ;  and 
behold,  if  the  plague  in  his  sight  be 
at  a  stay,  and  the  plague  spread  not 
in  the  skin,  then  the  priest  shall 
shut  him  up  seven  days  more.  A'um. 
ix.  7.  And  those  men  said  unto 
him,  We  are  defiled  by  the  dead 
body  of  a  man  ;  wherefore  are  we 
kept  back,  that  we  may  not  offer  an 
offering  of  the  Lord  in  his  appointed 


season  among  the  children  of  Israel  ? 
2  Cor.  xxiii.  19.  And  he  set  the 
porters  at  the  gates  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  that  none  that  was  un- 
clean in  any  thing  should  enter  in. 
s  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Neglect  not  the 
gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  was  given 
thee  by  prophecy,  with  the  laying 
on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery. 
Acts  xv.  2.  When  therefore  Paul 
and  Barnabas  had  no  small  dissenti- 
011  and  disputation  with  them,  they 
determined  that  Paul  and  Barnabas, 
and  certain  other  of  them,  should 
go  up  to  Jerusalem  unto  the  apostles 
and  elders  about  this  question,  v. 
4.  And  when  they  were  come  to 
Jerusalem,  they  were  received  of 
the  church,  and  of  the  apostles  and 
elders,  and  they  declared  all  things 
that  God  had  clone  with  them.  v. 
6.  And  the  apostles  and  elders  came 
together  for  to  consider  of  this 
matter. 

/  Rom. 


62 


The  Form  of  Church- Government. 


A  Presbytery  consisteth  of  Ministers  of  the  Word,  and 
such  other  publick  Officers  as  are  agreeable  to,  and  war- 
ranted by  the  Word  of  God,  to  be  Church-Governors, 
to  join  with  the  Ministers  in  the  Government  of  the 
Church  /. 

The  Scripture  doth  hold  forth,  that  many  particular  Con- 
gregations may  be  under  one  Pre sbyte rial  Government. 

This  Proposition  is  proved  by  Instances. 

I.  First,  Of  the  Church  of  Jerusalem,  which  consisted 
of  more  Congregations  than  one,  and  all  these  Congre- 
gations were  under  one  Presbyterial  Government. 

This  appeareth  thus  : 

i.  First,  The  Church  of  Jerusalem  consisted  of  more 
Congregations  than  one,  as  is  manifest, 

First,  By  the  Multitude  of  Believers  mentioned  in  divers, 
Both  before  the  Dispersion  of  the  Believers  there,  by  means 
of  the  Persecution  v,  And  also  after  the  Dispersion  w. 

Secondly, 


t  Rom.  xii.  7.  Or  ministry,  let 
us  wait  on  our  ministring  :  or  he 
that  teacheth,  on  teaching  :  v.  8. 
Or  he  that  exhorteth,  on  exhorta- 
tion :  he  that  giveth,  let  him  do  it 
with  simplicity  :  he  that  ruleth, 
with  diligence :  he  that  sheweth 
mercy,  with  cheerfulness.  1  Cor. 
xii.  28.  And  God  hath  set  some  in 
the  church;  first,  apostles,  seconda- 
rily prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  af- 
ter that  miracles,  then  gilts  of  heal- 
ings, helps,  governments,  diversities 
of  tongues. 

v  Acts  viii.  1.  And  Saul  was  con- 
senting unto  his  death.  And  at 
that  time  there  was  a  great  persecu- 
tion against  the  church  which  was 
at  Jerusalem,  and  they  were  all 
scattered  abroad  throughout  the  re- 
gions of  Judea  and  Samaria,  except 
the  apostles.  Acts  i.  15.  And  in  those 
days  Peter  stood  up  in  the  midst  of 
the  disciples,  and  said,  (the  number 
of  the  names  together  were  about  an 
hundred  and  twenty.)  Acts  ii.  41. 
Then  they  that  gladly  received  his 
word  were  baptized  ;  and  the  same 
day  there  were  added  unto  them  a- 


bout  three  thousand  souls,  v.  46. 
And  they  continuing  daily  with  one 
accord  in  the  temple,  and  breaking 
bread  from  house  to  house,  did  eat 
their  meat  with  gladness  and  single- 
ness of  heart,  v.  47.  Praising  God, 
and  having  favour  with  all  the  peo- 
ple. And  the  Lord  added  to  the 
church  daily  such  as  should  be  sav- 
ed. Acts  iv.  4.  Howbeit,  many  of 
them  which  heard  the  word,  be- 
lieved, and  the  number  of  the  men 
was  about  five  thousand.  Acts  v. 
14.  And  believers  were  the  more 
added  unto  the  Lord,  multitudes 
both  of  men  and  women.  Acts  6. 
1.  And  in  those  days,  when  the 
number  of  the  disciples  was  multi- 
plied, there  arose  a  murmuring  of 
the  Grecians  against  the  Hebrews, 
because  their  widows  were  neglected 
in  the  daily  ministration,  v.  7. 
And  the  word  of  God  increased,  and 
the  number  of  the  disciples  multi- 
plied in  Jerusalem  greatly,  and  a 
great  company  of  the  priests  were 
obedient  to  the  faith. 

w  Acts  ix.    31.      Then    had  the 

churches  rest  throughout  all  Judea, 

and 


The  Form  of  Church- Gov  eminent. 


63 


Secondly,  By  the  many  Apostles  and  other  Preachers  in 
the  Church  of  Jerusalem  :  And  if  there  were  but  one  Con- 
gregation there,  then  each  Apostle  preached  but  seldom  x, 
which  will  not  consist  with  Acts  vi.  2. 

Thirdly,  The  Diversity  of  Languages  amongst  the  Believ- 
ers, mentioned  both  in  the  Second  and  Sixth  Chapters  of  the 
Acts,  doth  argue  more  Congregations  than  one  in  that 
Church. 

2  Secondly,  All  those  Congregations  were  under  one 
Presbyterial  Government.  Because,  First,  They  were  one 
Church  y. 

Secondly,  The  Elders  of  the  Church  are  mentioned  z. 

Thirdly,  The  Apostles  did  the  ordinary  Acts  of  Presbyters, 
as  Presbyters  in  that  Kirk  ;  which  proveth  a  Presbyterial 
Church  before  the  Dispersion,  Acts  vi. 

Fourthly, 


and  Galilee,  and  Samaria,  and  were 
edified,  and  walking  in  the  fear  of 
the  Lord,  and  in  the  comfort  of 
the  holy  Ghost,  were  multiplied. 
Acts  xii.  24.  But  the  word  of  God 
grew  and  multiplied.  Acts  xxi.  20. 
And  when  they  heard  it,  they  glo- 
rified the  Lord,  and  said  unto  him, 
Thou  seest,  brother,  how  many 
thousand  of  Jews  there  are  which 
believe,  and  they  are  all  zealous  of 
the  law. 

x  Acts  vi.  2.  Then  the  twelve 
called  the  multitude  of  the  disciples 
unto  them,  and  said,  It  is  not  rea- 
son that  we  should  leave  the  word 
of  God,  and  serve  tables. 

y  Acts  viii.  1.  And  Saul  was  con- 
senting unto  his  death.  And  at  that 
time  there  was  a  great  persecution 
against  the  church  which  was  at  Je- 
rusalem, and  they  were  all  scattered 
abroad  throughout  the  regions  of 
Judea  and  Samaria,  except  the 
apostles.  Acts  ii.  47.  Praising  God, 
and  having  favour  with  all  the 
people.  And  the  Lord  added  unto 
the  church  daily  such  as  should  be 
saved.  Compared  with  Acts  v.  11. 
And  great  fear  came  upon  all  the 
church,  and  upon  as  many  as  heard 
these    things.     Acts  xii.    5.     Peter 


therefore  was  kept  in  prison,  but 
prayer  was  made  without  ceasing 
of  the  church  unto  God  for  him. 
Acts  xv.  4.  And  when  they  were 
come  to  Jerusalem,  they  were 
received  of  the  church,  and  of  the 
apostles  and  elders,  and  they  de- 
clared all  things  that  God  had  done 
with  them. 

z  Acts  xi.  30.  Which  also  they 
did,  and  sent  it  to  the  elders  by  the 
hands  of  Barnabas  and  Saul.  Acts 
xv.  4.  And  when  they  were  come 
to  Jerusalem,  they  were  received  of 
the  church,  and  of  the  apostles  and 
elders,  and  they  declared  all  things 
that  God  had  done  with  them.  v. 
6.  And  the  apostles  and  elders  came 
together  to  consider  of  this  matter. 
v.  22.  Then  it  pleased  the  apostles 
and  elders,  with  the  whole  church, 
to  send  chosen  men  of  their  own 
company  to  Antioch,  with  Paul  and 
Barnabas,  namely  Judas  sirnamed 
Barsabas,  and  Silas,  chief  men  a- 
mong  the  brethren.  Acts  xxi.  17. 
And  when  we  were  come  to  Jeru- 
salem, the  brethren  received  us 
gladly,  v.  18.  And  the  day  follow- 
ing, Paul  went  in  with  us  unto 
James,  and  all  the  elders  were  pre- 
sent, a  .Ids 


64 


The  Form  of  Church-government . 


Fourthly,  The  several  Congregations  in  Jerusalem  being 
one  Church,  the  Elders  of  that  Church  are  mentioned  as 
meeting  together  for  Acts  of  Government  <z,  which  proves 
that  those  several  Congregations  were  under  one  Presby- 
terial  Government. 

And  whether  these  Congregations  were  fixed,  or  not  fixed, 
in  regard  of  Officers  or  Members,  it  is  all  one  as  to  the 
Truth  of  the  Proposition. 

Nor  doth  there  appear  any  material  Difference  betwixt 
the  several  Congregations  in  Jerusalem,  and  the  many  Con- 
gregations now.  in  the  ordinary  Condition  of  the  Church, 
as  to  the  Point  of  Fixedness  required  of  Officers  or  Mem- 
bers. 

3.  Thirdly,  Therefore  the  Scripture  doth  hold  forth,  that 
many  Congregations  may  be  under  one  Presbyterial  Gov- 
ernment. 

II.  Secondly,  By  the  Instance  of  the  Church  of  Ephesus ; 
for, 

1.  That  they  were  more  Congregations  than  one  in  the 
Church  of  Ephesus,  appears  by  Acts  xx.  31.  b.  Where  is 
mention  of  Paul's  Continuance  at  Ephesus  in  Preaching 
for  the  Space  of  Three  Years  ;  and  Acts  xix.  18,  19,  20. 
where  the  special  Effect  of  the  Word  is  mentioned  c ;  and 
verse  10.  and  17.  of  the  same  Chapter,  where  is  a  Distinction 

of 


a  Acts  xi.  30.  Which  also  they 
did,  and  sent  it  to  the  elders  by  the 
hands  of  Barnabas  and  Saul.  Acts 
xv.  4.  And  when  they  were  come 
to  Jerusalem,  they  were  received  of 
the  church,  and  of  the  apostles  and 
elders,  and  they  declared  all  things 
that  God  had  clone  with  them.  v. 
6.  And  the  apostles  and  elders  came 
together  for  to  consider  of  this  mat- 
ter, v.  22.  Then  it  pleased  the  a- 
postles  and  elders,  with  the  whole 
church,  to  send  chosen  men  of  their 
own  company  to  Antioch  with  Paul 
and  Barnabas,  namely  Judas,  sir- 
named  Barsabas,  and  Silas,  chief 
men  among  the  brethren.  Acts  xxi. 
17.  And  when  they  were  come  to 
Jerusalem    the    brethren    received 


them  gladly,  v.  18.  And  the  day 
following  Paul  went  in  with  us  un- 
to James,  and  all  the  elders  were 
present.     And  so  forward. 

b  Acts  xx.  31.  Therefore  watch, 
and  remember  that  by  the  space  of 
three  years  I  ceased  not  to  warn 
every  one  night  and  day  with 
tears. 

c  Acts  xix.  18.  And  many  that 
believed  came  and  confessed,  and 
shewed  their  deeds,  v.  19.  Many 
also  of  them  which  used  curious 
arts  brought  their  books  together, 
and  burned  them  before  all  men, 
and  they  counted  the  price  of  them, 
and  found  it  fifty  thousand  pieces  of 
silver,  v.  20.  So  mightily  grew 
the  word  of  God  and  prevailed. 

d  Acts 


The  Form  of  Church-Government. 


65 


of  Jews  and  Greeks  d ;  and  1  Cor.  xvi.  8,  and  9.  where  is  a 
Reason  of  Paul's  Stay  at  Ephesus  until  Pentecost  e  ;  and 
ww  19.  where  is  mention  of  a  particular  Church  in  the 
House  of  Aquila  and  Priscilla  then  at  Ephesus  f  \  as  ap- 
pears, Acts  xviii.  19,  24,  26  £\  All  which  laid  together  doth 
prove,  that  the  Multitudes  of  Believers  did  make  more  Con- 
gregations than  one  in  the  Church  of  Ephesus. 

2.  That  there  were  many  Elders  over  these  many  Congre- 
gations, as  one  Flock,  appeareth,  Acts  xx.  17,  25,  28,°3o, 
36>  37  h. 

3.  That  these  many  Congregations  were  one  Church,  and 
that  they  were  under  one  Presbyterial  Government,  ap- 
peareth, Rev.  ii.  the  first  six  verses,  joined  with  Acts  xx.  17, 
18  i.  0/ 


d  Acts  xix.  10.  And  this  conti- 
nued by  the  space  of  two  years;  so 
that  all  they  who  dwelt  in  Asia 
heard  the  word  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
both  Jews  and  Greeks,  v.  17.  And 
this  was  known  to  all  the  Jews  and 
Greeks  also  dwelling  at  Ephesus, 
and  fear  fell  on  them  all,  and  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  was  magni- 
fied. 

e  1  Cor.  xvi.  8.  But  I  will  tarry 
at  Ephesus  until  Pentecost,  v.  9. 
For  a  great  door  and  effectual  is  o- 
pened  unto  me,  and  there  are  many 
adversaries. 

f  1  Cor.  xvi.  19.  The  churches 
of  Asia  salute  you,  Aquila  and 
Priscilla  salute  you  much  in  the 
Lord,  with  the  church  that  is  in 
their  house. 

g  Acts  xviii.  19. .  And  he  came  to 
Ephesus,  and  left  them  there,  but 
he  himself  entred  into  the  syna- 
gogue, and  reasoned  with  the  Jews. 
v.  24.  And  a  certain  Jew,  named 
Apollos,  born  at  Alexandria,  an 
eloquent  man,  and  mighty  in  the 
scriptures,  came  to  Ephesus.  v.  26. 
And  he  began  to  speak  boldly  in 
the  synagogue,  whom  when  Aquila 
and  Priscilla  had  heard,  they  took 
him  unto  them,  and  expounded 
unto  him  the  way  of  God  more 
perfect  ly. 


h  Acts  xx.  17. 'And  from  Mile- 
tus he  sent  to  Ephesus,  and  called 
the  elders  of  the  church,  v.  25. 
And  now  behold,  I  know  that  ye 
all  among  whom  I  have  gone 
preaching  the  kingdom  of  God, 
shall  see  my  face  no  more.  v.  28 
Take  heed  therefore  unto  your 
selves,  and  to  all  the  flock  over  the 
which  the  holy  Ghost  hath  made 
you  overseers,  to  feed  the  church  of 
God,  which  he  hath  purchased  with 
his  own  blood,  v.  30.  Also  of  your 
own  selves  shall  men  arise,  speak- 
ing perverse  things,  to  draw  away 
disciples  after  them.  v.  36.  And 
when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he 
kneeled  down,  and  prayed  with 
them  all.  v.  37.  And  they  all 
wept  sore,  and  fell  on  Pauls  neck, 
and  kissed  him. 

i  Rev.  ii.  1.  Unto  the  anq;el  of 
the  church  of  Ephesus  write,  These 
things  saith  he  that  holdelh  the 
seven  stars  in  his  right-hand,  who 
walketh  in  the  midst  of  the  seven 
golden  candlesticks.  ?>.  2.  I  know 
thy  works,  and  thy  labour,  and  thy 
patience,  and  how  thou  canst  not 
bear  them  which  are  evil ;  and  thou 
hast  tried  them  which  say  they  are 
apostles,  and  are  not,  and  hath 
found  them  liars,  v.  3.  And  hast 
born,  and  hast  patience,  and  for  my 
M  m  names 


66 


The  Form  of  Church-Government. 


Of  Synodical  Assemblies. 

TH  E  Scripture  doth  hold  out  another  Sort  of  Assem- 
blies, for  the  Government  of  the  Church,  beside 
Classical  and  Congregational,  all  which  we  call  Synodical  k. 
Pastors  and  Teachers,  and  other  Church-Governors  (as  also 
other  lit  Persons,  when  it  shall  be  deemed  expedient)  are 
Members  of  those  Assemblies  which  we  call  Synodical,  where 
they  have  a  lawful  Calling  thereunto. 

Synodical  Assemblies  may  lawfully  be  of  several  Sorts,  as 
Provincial,  National,  and  Oecumenical. 

It  is  lawful,  and  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  God,  that  there 
be  a  Subordination  of  Congregational,  Classical,  Provincial, 
and  National  Assemblies,  for  the  Government  of  the 
Church. 


Of   Ordination    of  Ministers. 


UNDER  the  Head  of  Ordination  of  Ministers  is  to  be 
considered,  either  the  Doctrine  of  Ordination,  or  the 
Power  of  it. 

Touching 


names  sake  liast  laboured,  and  hast 
not  fainted,  v.  4.  Nevertheless,  I 
have  somewhat  against  thee,  be- 
cause thou  hast  left  thy  first  love. 
v.  5.  Remember  therefore  from 
whence  thou  art  fallen,  and  repent, 
and  do  the  first  works,  or  else  1  will 
come  unto  thee  quickly,  and  will 
remove  thy  candlestick  out  of  his 
place,  except  thou  repent,  v.  6. 
But  this  thou  hast  that  thou  hatest 
the  deeds  of  the  Nicolaitans,  which 
also  I  hate,  Joined  zvith  Acts  xx. 
17,  28.   See  in  letter  h. 

k  Acts  xv.  2.  When  therefore 
Paul  and  Barnabas  had  no  small 
dissention  and  disputation  with 
them,  they  determined  that  Paul  and 


Barnabas,  and  certain  other  of  them 
should  go  up  to  Jerusalem  unto  the 
apostles  and  elders  about  this  que- 
stion, v.  6.  And  the  apostles  and 
elders  came  together  for  to  consider 
of  this  matter,  v.  22.  Then  it 
pleased  the  apostles  and  elders,  with 
the  whole  church,  to  send  chosen 
men  of  their  own  company  to  An- 
tioch,  with  Paul  and  Barnabas, 
namely  Judas,  sir  named  Barsabas, 
and  Silas,  chief  men  among  the 
brethren.  ^.23.  And  wrote  letters 
by  them  after  this  manner  :  The 
apostles,  and  elders,  and  brethren, 
send  greeting  unto  the  brethren 
which  are  of  the  Gentiles  in  Anti- 
och,  and  Syria,  and  Cilicia. 

/  John 


The  Form  of  Church-Government . 


67 


Touching-  the   Doctrine   of   Ordination. 

NO  Man  ought  to  take  upon  him  the  Office  of  a  Minis- 
ter of  the  Word,  without  a  lawful  Calling  /. 
Ordination  is  always  to  be  continued  in  the  Church  m. 
Ordination  is  the  solemn  Setting  apart  of  a  Person  to  some 
publick  Church-Office  //.  Every 


/  folia  iii.  17.  John  answered  nnd 
said,  A  man  can  receive  nothing, 
except  it  he  given  him  from  heaven. 
Rom.  x.  14.  How  then  shall  they 
call  on  him  in  whom  they  have 
not  believed  ?  and  how  shall  they 
believe  in  him,  of  whom  they  have 
not  heard  ?  and  how  shall  they  hear 
without  a  preacher?  v.  15.  And 
how  shall  they  preach  except  they 
be  sent?  as  it  is  written,  How 
beautiful  are  the  feet  of  them  that 
preach  the  gospel  of  peace,  and  bring 
glad  tidings  of  good  things.  Jer. 
xiv.  14.  Then  the  Lord  said  unto 
me,  The  prophets  prophesy  lies  in 
my  name,  I  sent  them  not,  neither 
have  I  commanded  them,  neither 
spake  I  unto  them  ;  they  prophesy 
unto  you  a  false  vision  and  divina- 
tion, and  a  thing  of  nought,  and 
the  deceit  of  their  heart.  Heb.  v. 
4.  And  no  man  taketh  this  honour 
unto  himself,  but  he  that  is  called 
of  God,  as  was  Aaron. 

m  Tit.  i.  5.  For  this  cause  left 
I  thee  in  Crete,  that  thou  should 
set  in  order  the  things  that  are 
wanting,  and  ordain  elders  in  every 
city,  as  I  had  appointed  thee.  1 
Tim.  v.  21.  I  charge  thee  before 
God,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
the  Elect  angels,  that  thou  observe 
these  things  without  preferring  one 
before  another,  doing  nothing  by 
partiality,  v.  22.  Lay  hands  sud- 
denly on  no  man,  neither  be  par- 
taker of  other  mens  sins.  Keep  thy 
self  pure. 

a  Numb.  viii.  10.  And  thou  shall 
bring  the  Levites  before  the  Lord, 


and  the  children  of  Israel  shall  put 
their  hands  upon  the  Levites.  v. 
11.  And  Aaron  shall  offer  the  Le- 
vites before  the  Lord,  for  on  offer- 
ing of  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
they  may  execute  the  service  of  the 
Lord.  v.  14.  Thus  shalt  thou  se- 
parate the  Levites  from  among  the 
children  of  Israel ;  and  the  Levites 
shall  be  mine.  v.  19.  And  I  have 
given  the  Levites  as  a  gift  to  Aaron, 
and  to  his  sons,  from  among  the 
children  of  Israel,  to  do  the  ser- 
vice of  the  children  of  Israel,  in 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
and  to  make  an  attonement  for  the 
children  of  Israel;  that  there  be  no 
plague  among  the  children  of  Israel, 
when  the  children  of  Israel  come 
nigh  unto  the  sanctuary,  v.  22. 
And  after  that  went  the  Levites  in, 
to  do  the  service  in  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation,  before  Aaron, 
and  before  his  sons;  as  the  Lord 
had  commanded  Moses,  concerning 
the  Levites,  so  did  they  unto  them. 
Acts  vi.  3.  Wherefore  brethren, 
look  ye  out  among  you  seven  men 
of  hone>t  report,  full  of  the  holy 
Ghost,  and  wisdom,  whom  we  may 
appoint  over  this  business,  v.  5. 
And  the  saying  pleased  the  whole 
multitude,  and  they  chose  Stephen, 
a  man  full  of  faith,  and  of  the  holy 
Ghost,  and  Philip,  and  Prochorus, 
and  Nicanor,  and  Timon,  and  Par- 
menas,  and  Nicolas,  a  proselyte  of 
Antioch.  v.  6.  Whom  they  had 
set  before  the  apostles  ;  and  when 
they  had  prayed,  they  laid  their 
hands  on  them. 

M  m  2  o  1  Tim. 


68 


The  Form  of  Church-  Government. 


Everv  Minister  of  the  Word  is  to  be  ordained  by  Imposi- 
tion of  Hands,  and  Prayer  with  Fasting,  by  those  preaching 
Presbyters,  to  whom  it  doth  belong  o. 

It  is  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  God,  and  very  expedient, 
that  such  as  are  to  be  ordained  Ministers,  be  designed  to 
some  particular  Church,  or  other  Ministerial  Charge/. 

He  that  is  to  be  ordained  Minister,  must  be  duly  qualified, 
both  for  Life  and  Ministerial  Abilities,  according  to  the 
Rules  of  the  Apostle  q. 

He  is  to  be  examined  and  approved  by  those  by  whom  he 
is  to  be  ordained  r. 

No 


o  i  Tim.  v.  22.  Lay  hands  sud- 
denly on  no  man,  neither  be  par- 
taker of  other  mens  sins.  Keep  thy 
self  pure.  Acts  xiv.  23.  And  when 
they  had  ordained  them  elders  in 
every  church,  and  had  prayed  with 
fasting,  they  commended  them  to 
the  Lord,  on  whom  they  believed. 
Acts  xiii.  3.  And  when  they  had 
fasted  and  prayed,  and  laid  their 
hands  on  them,  they  sent  them  away. 
p  Acts  xiv.  23.  See  before  Tit. 
i.  5.  For  this  cause  left  I  thee  in 
Crete,  that  thou  shouldst  set  in  or- 
der the  things  that  are  wanting,  and 
ordain  elders  in  every  city,  as  I  had 
appointed  thee.  Acts  xx.  17.  And 
from  Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephesus, 
and  called  the  elders  of  the  church. 
v.  28.  Take  heed  therefore  unto 
your  selves,  and  to  all  the  flock  over 
the  which  the  holy  Ghost  hath 
made  you  overseers,  to  feed  the 
church  of  God,  which  he  hath  pur- 
chased with  his  own  blood. 

q  1  Tim.  iii.  2.  A  Bishop  then 
must  be  blameless,  the  husband  of 
one  wife,  vigilant,  sober,  of  good 
behaviour,  given  to  hospitality,  apt 
to  teach,  v.  3.  Not  given  to  wine, 
no  striker,  not  £reedy  of  filthy 
lucre,  but  patient  ;  not  a  brawler, 
not  covetous,  v.  4.  One  that  rul- 
eth  well  with  his  own  house,  hav- 
ing his  children  in  subjection  with 
all  gravity,     v.  5.    (For  if  a  man 


know  not  how  to  rule  his  own 
house,  how  shall  he  take  care  of 
the  church  of  God  ?)  v.  6.  Not  a 
novice,  lest  being  lifted  up  with 
pride,  he  fall  into  the  condemnati- 
on of  the  devil.  Tit.  i.  5.  For  this 
cause  left  I  thee  in  Crete,  that  thou 
shouldst  set  in  order  the  things  that 
are  wanting,  and  ordain  elders  in 
every  city,  as  I  had  appointed  thee. 
v.  6.  If  any  man  be  blameless,  the 
husband  of  one  wife,  having  faith- 
ful children,  not  accused  of  riot,  or 
unruly,  v.  7.  For  a  Bishop  must 
be  blameless,  as  the  steward  of 
God  :  not  self-willed,  not  soon  an- 
gry, not  given  to  wine,  no  striker, 
not  given  to  filthy  lucre,  v.  8.  But 
a  lover  of  hospitality,  a  lover  of 
good  men,  sober,  just,  holy,  tem- 
perate, v.  9.  Holding  fast  the 
faithful  word,  as  he  hath  been 
taught,  that  he  may  be  able  by 
sound  doctrine,  both  to  exhort,  and 
to  convince  the  gainsayers. 

r  1  Tim.  iii.  7.  Moreover  he  must 
have  a  good  report  of  them  which 
are  without,  lest  he  fall  into  re- 
proach, and  the  snare  of  the  devil. 
v.  10.  And  let  these  also  first  be 
proved,  then  let  them  use  the  office 
of  a  deacon,  being  found  blameless. 
I  Tint.  v.  22.  Lay  hands  suddenly 
on  no  man,  neither  be  partaker  of 
other  mens  sins.  Keep  thy  self 
pure. 

s  1  Tim. 


The  Form  of  Church- Government.  69 

No  Man  is  to  be  ordained  a  Minister  for  a  particular 
Congregation  if  they  of  that  Congregation  can  shew  just 
Cause  of  Exception  against  him  s. 


Touching-  the   Power   of   Ordination. 


ORDINATION  is  the  Act  of  a  Presbytery  /. 
The  Power  of  ordering  the  whole  Work  of  Or- 
dination, is  in  the  whole  Presbytery,  which  when  it  is 
over  more  Congregations  than  one,  whether  those  Con- 
gregations be  fixed  or  not  fixed,  in  regard  of  Officers 
or  Members,  it  is  indifferent,  as  to  the  Point  of  Ordina- 
tion v. 

It  is  very  requisite  that  no  single  Congregation,  that  can 
conveniently  associate,  do  assume  to  itself  all  and  sole  Power 
in  Ordination  : 

1.  Because  there  is  no  Example  in  Scripture,  that  any 
single  Congregation,  which  might  conveniently  associate, 
did  assume  to  itself  all  and  sole  Power  in  Ordination  ;  nei- 
ther is  there  any  Rule  which  may  warrant  such  a  Prac- 
tice. 

2.  Because  there  is  in  Scripture  Example  of  an  Ordina- 
tion in  a  Presbytery  over  divers  Congregations;  As  in  the 
Church  of  Jerusalem,  where  were  many  Congregations,  these 
many  Congregations  were  under  one  Presbytery,  and  this 
Presbytery  did  Ordain. 

The  Preaching  Presbyteries  orderly  associated,  either  in 
Cities  or  neighbouring  Villages,  are  those  to  whom  the  Im- 
position of  Hands  doth  appertain,  for  diose  Congregations 
within  their  Bounds  respectively. 

Concern- 


s  1  Tim.  iii.  2.  A  Bishop  then  t  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Neglect  not  the 
must  be  blameless,  the  husband  of  gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  was  gi- 
one  wife,  vigilant,  sober,  of  good  ven  thee  by  prophecy,  with  the 
behaviour,  given  to  hospitality,  apt  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  pres- 
to teach.      Tit.  i.  7.    For  a  Bishop  bytery. 

must  be  blameless,  as  the  steward  v  1   Tim.  iv.   14    See  in  Liter  t. 

of  God.  M  m  3             w  1   Tim 


70  The  Form  of  Church-Government. 


Concerning      the      Doctrinal      Part     of      Ordination 
of    MINISTERS. 


i.    TV  T  O  Man   ought  to  take  upon   him  the  Office  of  a 
J_   >     Minister  of  the  Word,  without  a  lawful  Calling  w. 

2.  Ordination  is  always  to  be  continued  in  the 
Church  x. 

3.  Ordination  is  the  solemn  Setting  apart  of  a  Person  to 
some  publick  Church-office  y. 

4.  Every  Minister  of  the  Word  is  to  be  ordained  by  Im- 
position of  Hands  and  Prayer,  with  Fasting,  by  these  preach- 
ing Presbyters  to  whom  it  doth  belong  z. 

5.  The  Power  of  ordering  the  whole  Work  of  Ordination, 
is  in  the  whole  Presbytery,  which  when  it  is  over  more  Con- 
gregations than  one,  whether  those  Congregations  be  fixed, 
or  not  fixed  in  regard  of  Officers  or  Members,  it  is  indifferent 
as  to  the  Point  of  Ordination  a. 

6.  It  is  agreeable  to  the  Word,  and  very  expedient,  that 
such  as  are  to  be  ordained  Ministers,  be  designed  to  some 
particular  Church,  or  other  Ministerial  Charge  b. 

7.  He  that  is  to  be  ordained  Minister,  must  be  duly  quali- 
fied, both  for  Life  and  Ministerial  Abilities,  according  to  the 
Rules  of  the  Apostle  c. 

8.  He  is  to  be  examined,  and  approved  of  by  those  by 
whom  he  is  to  be  ordained  d. 

9.  No  Man  is  to  be  ordained  a  Minister  for  a  particular 
Congregation,  if  they  of  that  Congregation  can  shew  just 
Cause  of  Exception  against  him  e. 

10.  Preaching  Presbyters  orderly  associated,  either  in 
Cities,    or    neighbouring    Villages,  are    those    to    whom    the 

Im- 


w  See  before  in  letter  1.  b  See  before  in  letter  p. 

x  See  before  in  letter  m.  c  See  before  in  letter  q. 

y  See  before  in  letter  n.  d  See  before  in  letter  r. 

z  See  before  in  letter  o.  e  See  before  in  letter  s. 
a  See  before  in  letter  v.  f  I  Tim. 


The  Form  of  Church-Government . 


71 


Imposition  of  Hands  doth  appertain,  for  these  Congregations 
within  their  Bounds  respectively/". 

11.  In  extraordinary  Cases,  some  thing  extraordinary  may 
be  done,  until  a  settled  Order  may  be  had  yet  keeping  as 
near  as  possible  may  be  to  the  Rule  g. 

12.  There  is  at  this  Time  (as  we  humbly  conceive)  an 
extraordinary  Occasion  for  a  Way  of  Ordination  for  the 
present  Supply  of  Ministers. 


The   Directory  for  the    Ordination   of  Ministers. 

IT  being  manifest  by  the  Word  of  God,  that  no  Man 
ought  to  take  upon  him  the  Office  of  a  Minister  of  the 
Gospel,  until  he  be  lawfully  called  and  ordained  thereunto  ; 
and  that  the  Work  of  Ordination  is'  to  be  performed  with 
all  due  Care,  Wisdom,  Gravity,  and  Solemnity  :  We  humbly 
tender  these  Directions,  as  requisite  to  be  observed. 

First,  He  that  is  to  be  ordained,  being  either  nominated 
by  the  Feople,  or  otherwise  commended  to  the  Presby- 
tery for  any  Place,  must  address  himself  to  the  Presbyte- 
ry, and  bring  with  him  a  Testimonial  of  his  taking  the 
Covenant  of   the   Three    Kingdoms,  of  his    Diligence   and 

Pro- 


/  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Neglect  not  the 
gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  was  given 
thee  by  prophecy,  with  the  laying 
on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery. 

g  2  Citron,  xxix.  34.  But  the 
priests  were  too  few,  so  that  they 
could  not  slay  all  the  burnt-offer- 
ings :  wherefore  their  brethren  the 
Levites  did  help  them  till  the  work 
was  ended,  and  until  the  other 
priests  had  sanctified  themselves: 
for  the  Levites  were  more  upright  in 
heart  to  sanctify  themselves,  than  the 
priests,  v.  35.  And  also  tiie  burnt- 
offerings  were  in  abundance,  with 
the  fat  of  the  peace-offerings,  and 
the  drink-offerings  for  every  burnt- 
offering.  So  the  service  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord  was  set  in  order. 
v.  36.  And  Hezekiah  rejoiced,  and 
all  the  people,  that  God  had  pre- 


pared the  people  :  for  the  thing  was 
done  suddenly.  2  Chron.  xxx.  2. 
For  the  king  had  taken  counsel,  and 
his  princes,  and  all  the  congregation 
in  Jerusalem,  to  keep  the  passover 
in  the  second  month,  v.  3.  For 
they  could  not  keep  it  at  that  time, 
because  the  priests  had  not  sanctified 
themselves  sufficiently,  neither  had 
the  people  gathered  themselves  to- 
gether to  Jerusalem,  v.  4.  And 
the  thing  pleased  the  king,  and  all 
the  congregation,  v.  5.  So  they 
established  a  decree,  to  make  pro- 
clamation throughout  all  Israel, 
from  Beer-shcba  even  to  Dan,  that 
they  should  come  to  keep  the  pass- 
over  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Israel, 
at  Jerusalem :  for  they  had  not 
done  it  of  a  long  time  in  such  sort 
as  it  was  written. 

M  m  4 


72  The  Form  of  Church-Government. 

Proficiency  in  his  Studies  ;  What  Degrees  he  hath  taken 
in  the  University,  and  what  hath  been  the  Time  of  his 
Abode  there  ;  and  withal  of  his  Age,  which  is  to  be 
Twenty  four  Years  ;  but  especially  of  his  Life  and  Conver- 
sation. 

2.  Which  being  considered  by  the  Presbytery,  they  are  to 
proceed,  to  enquire  touching  the  Grace  of  God  in  him,  and 
whether  he  be  of  such  Holiness  of  Life,  as  is  requisite  in  a 
Minister  of  the  Gospel  ;  and  to  examine  him  touching  his 
Learning  and  Sufficiency,  and  touching  the  Evidences  of  his 
Calling  to  the  holy  Ministry,  and  in  particular  his  fair  and 
direct  Calling  to  that  Place. 


The  Rules  for  Examination  are  these ; 


i .  That  the  Party  examined  be  dealt  withal  in  a  Brotherly 
Way.  with  Mildness  of  Spirit,  and  with  special  Respeet  to 
the  Gravity,  Modesty,  and  Quality  of  every  one. 

2.  He  shall  be  examined  touching  his  Skill  in  the  Origi- 
nal Tongues,  and  his  Trial  to  be  made  by  Reading  the  He- 
brew and  Greek  Testaments,  and  Rendriug  some  Portion  of 
some  into  Latin  ;  and  if  he  be  defective  in  than.  Enquiry 
shall  be  made  more  strictly  after  his  other  Learning,  a?id 
whether  he  hath  Skill  in  Logick  and  Philosophy. 

3.  What  Authors  in  Divinity  lie  hath  read,  and  is  best 
acquainted  with :  And  Trial  shall  be  made  in  his  Know- 
ledge of  the  Grounds  of  Religion,  and  of  his  Ability  to  de- 
fend the  Orthodox  Doctrine,  contained  in  them,  against  all 
unsound  and  erroneous  Opinions,  especially  these  of  the  pre- 
sent Age  ;  Of  his  Skill  in  the  Sense  and  Meaning  of  such 
Places  of  Scripture  as  shall  be  proposed  unto  him,  in  Cases 
of  Conscience,  and  in  the  Chronology  of  the  Scripture,  and 
the  Ecclesiastical  History. 

4.  Jf  he  hath  not  before  preached  in  publick,  with  Appro- 
bation of  such  as  are  able  to  judge,  he  shall,  at  a  competent 
Time  assigned  him,  expound  before  the  Presbytery  such  a 
Place  of  Scripture  as  shall  be  given  him. 

5.  He  shall  also,  within  a  competent  Time,  frame  a  Dis- 
course in  Latin,  upon  such  a  Common  place  or  Controversy 
in  Divinity  as  shall  be  assigned  to  him,  and  exhibit  to  the 

Pros- 


The  Form  of  Church-government.  73 

Presbytery  such  Theses  as  express  the    Sum    thereof,   and 
maintain  a  Dispute  upon  them. 

6.  He  shall  preach  before  the  People,  the  Presbytery,  or 
some  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Word  appointed  by  them,  being 
present. 

7.  The  Proportion  of  his  Gifts  in  relation  to  the  Place 
unto  the  which  he  is  called  shall  be  considered. 

8.  Beside  the  Trial  of  his  Gifts  in  Preaching,  he  shall 
undergo  an  Examination  in  the  Premisses  tu<o  several  Days, 
and  more  if  the  Presbytery  shall  judge  it  necessary. 

9.  And  as  for  him  that  hath  formerly  been  ordained  a 
Minister,  and  is  to  be  removed  to  another  Charge,  he  shall 
bring  a  Testimonial  of  his  Ordination,  and  of  his  Abilities 
and  Conversation,  whereupon,  his  Fitness  for  that  Place 
shall  be  tried  by   his   Preaching  there,  and   (if  it  shall  be 

judged  necessary)  by  a  further  Examination  of  him. 


In  all  which  he  being  approved,  he  is  to  be  sent  to  the 
Church  where  he  is  to  serve,  there  to  preach  Three  several 
Days,  and  to  converse  with  the  People,  that  they  may  have 
Trial  of  his  Gifts  for  their  Edification,  and  may  have  Time 
and  Occasion  to  enquire  into,  and  the  better  to  know  his 
Life  and  Conversation. 

4.  In  the  Last  of  these  Three  Days,  appointed  for  the 
Trial  of  his  Gifts  in  Preaching,  there  shall  be  sent  from  the 
Presbytery  to  the  Congregation,  a  publick  Intimation  in 
Writing,  which  shall  be  publickly  read  before  the  People, 
and  after  affixed  to  the  Church-Door,  to  signify  that  such  a 
Day,  a  competent  Number  of  the  Members  of  that  Congre- 
gation, nominated  by  themselves,  shall  appear  before  the 
Presbytery,  to  give  their  Consent  and  Approbation  to  such  a 
Man  to  be  their  Minister;  or  otherwise,  to  put  in,  with  all 
Christian  Discretion  and  Meekness,  what  Exceptions  they 
have  against  him  ;  and  if,  upon  the  Day  appointed,  there 
be  no  just  Exception  against  him,  but  the  People  give 
their  Consent,  then  the  Presbytery  shall  proceed  to  Ordina- 
tion. 

5.  Upon  the  Day  appointed  for  Ordination,  which  is 
to  be  performed  in  that  Church  where  he  that  is  to  be 
ordained  is  to  serve,  a  solemn  Fast  shall  be  kept  by  the 
Congregation,   that    they   may    the   more   earnestly   join    in 

Prayer 


74  The  Form  of  Church  Government. 

Prayer  for  a  Blessing  upon  the  Ordinance  of  Christ,  and 
the  Labours  of  his  Servant  for  their  Good.  The  Presby- 
tery shall  come  to  the  Place,  or  at  least  Three  or  Four 
Ministers  of  the  Word  shall  be  sent  thither  from  the  Presby- 
tery ;  of  which  one,  appointed  by  the  Presbytery,  shall 
preach  to  the  People,  concerning  the  Office  and  Duty  of 
Ministers  of  Christ,  and  how  the  People  ought  to  receive 
them  for  their  Works  Sake. 

6.  After  Sermon,  the  Minister  who  hath  preached,  shall, 
in  the  Face  of  the  Congregation,  demand  of  him  who  is  now 
to  be  ordained,  concerning  his  Faith  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 
his  Persuasion  of  the  Truth  of  the  Reformed  Religion  ac- 
cording to  the  Scripture  ;  his  sincere  Intentions  and  Ends 
in  desiring  to  enter  into  this  Calling ;  his  Diligence  in  Pray- 
ing, Reading,  Meditation,  Preaching,  Ministring  the  Sacra- 
ments, Discipline,  and  doing  all  Ministerial  Duties  towards 
his  Charge  ;  his  Zeal  and  Faithfulness  in  maintaining  the 
Truth  of  the  Gospel,  and  Unity  of  the  Church,  against 
Error  and  Schism  ;  his  Care  that  himself  and  his  Family 
may  be  unblameable,  and  Examples  to  the  Flock  ;  his  Wil- 
lingness and  Humility,  in  Meekness  of  Spirit,  to  submit  unto 
the  Admonitions  of  his  Brethren,  and  Discipline  of  the 
Church  ;  and  his  Resolution  to  continue  in  his  Duty  against 
all  Trouble  and  Persecution. 

7.  In  all  which  having  declared  himself,  professed  his 
Willingness,  and  promised  his  Endeavours,  by  the  Help  of 
God  ;  the  Minister  likewise  shall  demand  of  the  People, 
concerning  their  Willingness  to  receive  and  acknowledge 
him,  as  the  Minister  of  Christ ;  and  to  obey,  and  submit 
unto  him,  as  having  Rule  over  them  in  the  Lord  ;  and  to 
maintain,  encourage  and  assist  him  in  all  the  Parts  of  his 
Office. 

8.  Which  being  mutually  promised  by  the  People,  the 
Presbytery,  or  the  Ministers  sent  from  them  for  Ordination, 
shall  solemnly  set  him  apart  to  the  Office  and  Work  of 
the  Ministry,  by  laying  their  Hands  on  him,  which  is  to 
be  accompanied  with  a  short  Prayer  or  Blessing  to  this 
Effect  ; 

"  Thankfully  acknowledging  the  great  Mercy  of  God, 
"  in  sending  Jesus  Christ  for  the  Redemption  of  his  People  ; 
"  and  for  his  Ascension  to  the  Right-hand  of  God  the 
"  Father,  and  thence  pouring  out  his  Spirit,  and  giving 
"  Gifts  to   Men,  Apostles,    Evangelists,   Prophets,   Pastors, 

"  and 


The  Form  of  Church  Government.  75 

"  and  Teachers,  for  the  gathering  and  building  up  of  his 
"  Church  ;  and  for  fitting  and  inclining  this  Man  to  this 
"  great  Work*:  To  intreat  Him  to  fit  him  with  his  holy 
"  Spirit,  to  give  him  (who  in  his  Name  we  thus  set  apart  to 
"  this  holy  Service)  to  fulfil  the  Work  of  his  Ministry  in  all 
"  Things,  that  he  may  both  save  himself,  and  his  People 
"  committed  to  his  Charge." 

9.  This,  or  the  like  Form  of  Prayer  and  Blessing  being 
ended,  let  the  Minister  who  preached,  briefly  exhort  him  to 
consider  of  the  Greatness  of  his  Office  and  Work,  the 
Danger  of  Negligence  both  to  himself  and  his  People,  the 
Blessing  which  will  accompany  his  Faithfulness  in  this  Life, 
and  that  to  come  ;  and  withal  exhort  the  People  to  carry 
themselves  to  him,  as  to  their  Minister  in  the  Lord,  accord- 
ing to  their  solemn  Promise  made  before  ;  and  so  by  Prayer 
commending  both  him  and  his  Flock  to  the  Grace  of  God, 
after  singing  of  a  Psalm,  let  the  Assembly  be  dismissed  with 
a  Blessing. 

10.  If  a  Minister  be  designed  to  a  Congregation,  who 
hath  been  formerly  ordained  Presbyter  according  to  the 
Form  of  Ordination  which  hath  been  in  the  Church  of 
England,  which  we  hold  for  Substance  to  be  valid,  and 
not  to  be  disclaimed  by  any  who  have  received  it  ; 
then  there  being  a  cautious  Proceeding  in  Matters  of 
F^xamination,  let  him  be  admitted  without  any  new  Ordina- 
tion. 

11.  And  in  case  any  Person  already  ordained  Minister 
in  Scotland,  or  in  any  other  Reformed  Church,  be  designed 
to  another  Congregation  in  England,  he  is  to  bring  from 
that  Church  to  the  Presbytery  here,  within  which  that  Con- 
gregation is,  a  sufficient  Testimonial  of  his  Ordination,  of 
his  Life  and  Conversation  while  he  lived  with  them,  and  of 
tiie  Causes  of  his  Removal  ;  and  to  undergo  such  a  Trial  of 
his  Fitness  and  Sufficiency,  and  to  have  the  same  Course 
held  with   him  in   other   Particulars   as   is  set   down  in  the 

Rule 


Here  let  them  impose  Hands  on  his  Head. 


j6  The  Form  of  Church- Govertiment. 

Rule  immediately  going  before,  touching  Examination  and 
Admission. 

12.  That  Records  be  carefully  kept  in  the  several  Presby- 
teries, of  the  Names  of  the  Persons  ordained,  with  their 
Testimonials,  the  Time  and  Place  of  their  Ordination,  of 
the  Presbyters  who  did  impose  Hands  upon  them,  and  of  the 
Charge  to  which  they  are  appointed. 

13.  That  no  Money  or  Gift  of  what  Kind  soever  shall  be 
received  from  the  Person  to  be  ordained,  or  from  any  on  his 
Behalf,  for  Ordination,  or  ought  else  belonging  to  it,  by  any 
of  the  Presbytery,  or  any  appertaining  to  any  of  them,  upon 
what  Pretence  soever. 


Thus  far  of  ordinary  Rules  and  Course  of  Ordination, 
in  the  ordinary  Way,  That  which  concerns  the  ex- 
traordinary Way,  requisite  to  be  now  practised, 
follow  cth. 


1.  In  these  present  Exigencies,  while  we  cannot  have  any 
Presbyteries  formed  up  to  their  whole  Power  and  Work,  and 
that  many  Ministers  are  to  be  ordained  for  the  Service  of 
the  Armies  and  Navy,  and  to  many  Congregations  where 
there  is  no  Minister  at  all  ;  and  where  (by  Reason  of  the 
publick  Troubles)  the  People  cannot  either  themselves  en- 
quire, and  find  out  One  who  may  be  a  faithful  Minister  for 
them,  or  have  any  with  Safety  sent  unto  them,  for  such  a 
solemn  Trial  as  was  before  mentioned  in  the  ordinary  Rules  ; 
especially  when  there  can  be  no  Presbytery  near  unto  them, 
to  whom  they  may  address  themselves,  or  which  may  come 
or  send  to  them  a  fit  Man  to  be  ordained  in  that  Congrega- 
tion, and  for  that  People  :  And  yet  notwithstanding,  it  is 
requisite  that  Ministers  be  ordained  for  them,  by  some,  who, 
being  set  apart  themselves  for  the  Work  of  the  Ministry, 
have  Power  to  join  in  the  setting  apart  others,  who  are 
found  lit  and  worthy.  In  those  Cases,  until,  by  God's 
Blessing,  the  aforesaid  Difficulties  may  be  in  some  good 
Measure  removed,  let  some  godly  Ministers,  in  or  about  the 
City  of  London,  be  designed  by  publick  Authority,  who 
being  associated,  may  ordain  Ministers  for  the  City  and  the 
Vicinity,  keeping  as   near  to  the  ordinary   Rules  foremen- 

tioned, 


The  Form  of  Church- Gov  eminent.  yj 

tioned,  as  possibly  they  may ;  And  let  this  Association  be 
for  no  other  Intent  or  Purpose  but  only  for  the  Work  of 
Ordination. 

2.  Let  the  like  Association  be  made  by  the  same  Author- 
ity in  great  Towns,  and  the  neighbouring  Parishes  in  the 
several  Counties,  which  are  at  the  present  quiet  and  undis- 
turbed, to  do  the  like  for  the  Parts  adjacent. 

3.  Let  such  as  are  chosen,  or  appointed  for  the  Service  of 
the  Armies  or  Navy,  be  ordained,  as  aforesaid,  by  the  asso- 
ciated Ministers  oi  London,  or  some  others  in  the  Country. 

4.  Let  them  do  the  like,  when  any  Man  shall  duly  and 
lawfully  be  recommended  to  them  for  the  Ministry  of  any 
Congregation,  who  cannot  enjoy  Liberty  to  have  a  Trial  of 
his  Parts  and  Abilities,  and  desire  the  Help  of  such  Minis- 
ters so  associated,  for  the  better  furnishing  of  them  with  such 
a  Person,  as  by  them  shall  be  judged  tit  for  the  Service  of 
that  Church  and  People. 


FINIS. 


THE 

DIRECTORY 

FOR 

F  A  M  I  LY-W  ORSHIP, 

Approved  by  the 

GENERAL   ASSEMBLY 

O  F     T  H  E 

Church  of  Scotland, 

FOR 

Piety  and  Uniformity  in  Secret  and 
Private  Worship,  and  mutual  Edi- 
fication. 

WITH 


An    Act    of    the    General    Assembly,    Anno    1647, 
for    Observing   the   same. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
Printed    by    B.    FRANKLIN,    M,dcc,xlv. 


8o 


Assenibly  at  Edinburgh,  Aug.  24.   1647.   Sess.  19. 

ACT  for  observing  the  Directions  of  the  Ge- 
neral Assembly,  for  secret  and  private 
Worship,  and  mutual  Edification,  and  cen- 
suring such  as  neglect  Family-Worship. 


n~HE  General  Assembly,  after  mature  Deliberation,  doth 
approve  the  following  Rules  and  Directions,  for  cherish- 
ing Piety,  and  preventing  Division  and  Schism  ;  and  doth 
appoint  Ministers  and  Ruling  Elders,  in  each  Congregation, 
to  take  special  Care  that  these  Directions  be  observed  and 
followed ;  as  likewise,  that  Presbyteries  and  Provincial 
Synods  enquire  and  make  Trial,  whether  the  said  Directions 
be  duly  observed  in  their  Bounds  ;  and  to  reprove  or  censure 
{according  to  the  Quality  of  the  Offence)  such  as  shall  be 
found  to  be  reprovable  or  scnsurable  therein.  And,  to  the 
End  that  these  Directions  may  ?iot  be  rendred  ineffectual  and 
unprofitable  among  some,  through  the  usual  Neglect  of  the 
very  Substance  of  the  Duty  of  Family  Worship  ;  The  Assem- 
bly doth  further  require  and  appoint  Ministers  and  Ruling 
Elders  to  make  diligent  Search  and  Enquiry,  in  the  Congre- 
gations committed  to  their  Charge  respectively,  whether  there 
be  among  them  any  Family  or  Families,  which  use  to  neglect 
this  necessary  Duty  ;  and  if  any  such  Family  be  found,  the 
Head  of  the  Family  is  to  be  first  admonished  privately  to 
amend  this  Fault ;  and  in  case  of  his  continuing  therein,  he 
is  to  be  gravely  and  sadly  reproved  by  the  Session :  After 
which  Reproof,  if  he  be  found  still  to  neglect  Family  Wor- 
ship, let  him  be,  for  his  Obstinacy  in  such  an  Offence,  sus- 
pended and  debarred  from  the  Lord's  Supper,  as  being  justly 
esteemed  unworthy  to  communicate  therein,  till  he  amend. 


D  I- 


DIRECTIONS 

0  F    T  H  E 

GENERAL       ASSEMBLY, 

CONCERNING 


Secret  and  Private  Worship,  and  mutual  Edification  ; 
for  cherishing  Piety,  for  maintaining  Unity,  and 
avoiding  Schism  and  Division. 


E  S  I  D  E  S  the  publick  Worship  in  Congregations, 
mercifully  established  in  this  Land,  in  great  Purity ; 
it  is  expedient  and  necessary,  that  secret  Worship 
of  each  Person  alone,  and  private  Worship  of  Fami- 
lies, be  pressed  and  set  up  :  That,  with  National  Reforma- 
tion, the  Profession  and  Power  of  Godliness,  both  Personal 
and  Domestick,  be  advanced. 

I.  And  First,  for  secret  Worship,  it  is  most  necessary, 
that  every  one  apart,  and  by  themselves,  be  given  to  Prayer 
and  Meditation,  the  unspeakable  Benefit  whereof  is  best 
known  to  them  who  are  most  exercised  therein  ;  this  being 
the  Mean  whereby,  in  a  special  Way,  Communion  with  God 
is  entertained,  and  right  Preparation  for  all  other  Duties  ob- 
tained :  And  therefore  it  becometh  not  only  Pastors,  within 
their  several  Charges,  to  press  Persons  of  all  Sorts  to  per- 
form this  Duty,  Morning  and  Evening,  and  at  other  Occa- 
sions;   but   also   it   is   incumbent    to   the    Head   of  every 

N  n  Family, 


82  Directions  for  Family-  Worship. 

Family,  to  have  a  Care  that  both  themselves,  and  all  within 
their  Charge,  be  daily  diligent  herein. 

II.  The  ordinary  Duties  comprehended  under  the  Exer- 
cise of  Piety,  which  should  be  in  Families,  when  they  are 
conveened  to  that  Effect,  are  these  ;  First,  Prayer,  and 
Praises  performed,  with  a  special  Reference,  as  well  to  the 
publick  Condition  of  the  Kirk  of  God,  and  this  Kingdom,  as 
to  the  present  Case  of  the  Family,  and  every  Member  there- 
of. Next,  Reading  of  the  Scriptures,  with  Catechising  in  a 
plain  Way,  that  the  Understandings  of  the  Simpler  may 
be  the  better  enabled  to  profit  under  the  publick  Ordinan- 
ces, and  they  made  more  capable  to  understand  the  Scrip- 
tures, when  they  are  read  :  Together  with  godly  Con- 
ferences tending  to  the  Edification  of  all  the  Members  in 
the  most  holy  Faith :  As  also,  Admonition  and  Rebuke, 
upon  just  Reasons,  from  those  who  have  Authority  in  the 
Family. 

III.  As  the  Charge  and  Office  of  Interpreting  the  holy 
Scriptures,  is  a  Part  of  the  Ministerial  Calling,  which  none 
(howsoever  otherwise  qualified)  should  take  upon  him  in 
any  Place,  but  he  that  is  duly  called  thereunto  by  God,  and 
his  Kirk.  So  in  every  Family,  where  there  is  any  that  can 
read,  the  holy  Scriptures  should  be  read  ordinarily  to  the 
Family  ;  and  it  is  commendable,  that  thereafter  they  confer, 
and  by  Way  of  Conference  make  some  good  Use  of  what 
hath  been  read  and  heard  :  As  for  Example,  If  any  Sin  be 
reproved  in  the  Word  read,  Use  may  be  made  thereof,  to 
make  all  the  Family  circumspect  and  watchful  against  the 
same  ;  Or  if  any  Judgment  be  threatned,  or  mentioned  to 
have  been  inflicted  in  that  Portion  of  Scripture  which  is 
read,  Use  may  be  made  to  make  all  the  Family  fear,  lest 
the  same,  or  a  worse  Judgment,  befal  them,  unless  they 
beware  of  the  Sin  that  procured  it.  And  finally,  if  any 
Duty  be  required,  or  Comfort  held  forth  in  a  Promise,  Use 
may  be  made  to  stir  up  themselves  to  imploy  Christ  for 
Strength  to  enable  them  for  doing  the  commanded  Duty, 
and  to  apply  the  offered  Comfort  :  In  all  which,  the  Master 
of  the  Family  is  to  have  the  chief  Hand  ;  and  any  Mem- 
ber of  the  Family  may  propone  a  Question  or  Doubt  for 
Resolution. 

IV.  The  Head  of  the  Family  is  to  take  Care  that  none  of 
the  Family  withdraw  himself  from  any  Part  of  Family-Wor- 
ship : 


Directions  for  Family-  Worship.  83 

ship  :  And  seeing  the  ordinary  Performance  of  all  the  Parts 
of  Family-worship  belongeth  properly  to  the  Head  of  the 
Family,  the  Minister  is  to  stir  up  such  as  are  lazy,  and  train 
up  such  as  are  weak,  to  a  Fitness  for  these  Exercises  :  It 
being  always  free  to  Persons  of  Quality,  to  entertain  One 
approved  by  the  Presbytery  for  performing  Family  Exercise  : 
And  in  other  Families  where  the  Head  of  the  Family  is  un- 
fit, that  another  constantly  residing  in  the  Family,  approved 
by  the  Minister  and  Session,  may  be  imployed  in  that  Ser- 
vice :  Wherein  the  Minister  and  Session  are  to  be  countable 
to  the  Presbytery.  And  if  a  Minister  by  Divine  Providence 
be  brought  to  any  Family,  it  is  requisite,  that  at  no  Time  he 
conveen  a  Part  of  the  Family  for  Worship,  secluding  the 
rest,  except  in  singular  Cases,  specially  concerning  these 
Parties,  which  (in  Christian  Prudence)  need  not,  or  ought 
not,  to  be  imparted  to  others. 

V.  Let  no  Idler,  who  hath  no  particular  Calling,  or 
vagrant  Person,  under  Pretence  of  a  Calling,  be  suffered  to 
perform  Worship  in  Families,  to,  or  for  the  same  ;  Seeing 
Persons  tainted  with  Errors,  or  aiming  at  Division,  may  be 
ready  (after  that  Manner)  to  creep  into  Houses,  and  lead 
captive  silly  and  unstable  Souls. 

VI.  At  Family  Worship,  a  special  Care  is  to  be  had,  that 
each  Family  keep  by  themselves  :  Neither  requiring,  invit- 
ing, nor  admitting  Persons  from  divers  Families;  unless  it 
be  those  who  are  lodged  with  them,  or  at  Meal,  or  other- 
wise with  them  upon  some  lawful  Occasion. 

VII.  Whatsoever  have  been  the  Effects  and  Fruits  of 
Meetings  of  Persons  of  clivers  Families,  in  the  Times  of 
Corruption  or  Trouble  (in  which  Cases  many  Things  are 
commendable,  which  otherwise  are  not  tolerable)  Yet,  when 
God  hath  blessed  us  with  Peace  and  Purity  of  the  Gospel, 
such  Meetings  of  Persons  of  divers  P'amilies  (except  in 
Cases  mentioned  in  these  Directions)  are  to  be  disapproved, 
as  tending  to  the  Hindrance  of  the  religious  Exercise  of 
each  Family  by  itself,  to  the  Prejudice  of  the  publick 
Ministry,  to  the  Renting  of  the  Families  of  particular  Con- 
gregations, and  (in  Progress  of  Time)  of  the  whole  Kirk  ; 
Besides  many  Offences  which  may  come  thereby,  to  the 
Hardning  of  the  Hearts  of  carnal  Men,  and  Grief  of  the 
Godly. 

VIII.  On  the  Lord's  Day,  after  every  one  of  the  Family 

N  n  2  apart 


84  Directions  for  Family-  Worship. 

apart,  and  the  whole  Family  together,  have  sought  the  Lord 
(in  whose  Hands  the  Preparation  of  Mens  Hearts  are)  to  fit 
them  for  the  publick  Worship,  and  to  bless  to  them  the  publick 
Ordinances  ;  the  Master  of  the  Family  ought  to  take  Care, 
that  all  within  his  Charge  repair  to  the  publick  Worship,  that 
he  and  they  may  join  with  the  rest  of  the  Congregation  :  And 
the  publick  Worship  being  finished,  after  Prayer,  he  should 
take  an  Account  what  they  have  heard  :  And  thereafter,  to 
spend  the  rest  of  the  Time,  which  they  may  spare,  in  Catechis- 
ing, and  in  spiritual  Conferences  upon  the  Word  of  God  :  Or 
else  (going  apart)  they  ought  to  apply  themselves  to  Read- 
ing, Meditation,  and  "secret  Prayer,  that  they  may  confirm 
and  increase  their  Communion  with  God :  That  so  the 
Profit  which  they  found  in  the  publick  Ordinances  may  be 
cherished  and  promoved,  and  they  more  edified  unto  eternal 
Life. 

IX.  So  many  as  can  conceive  Prayer,  ought  to  make 
Use  of  that  Gift  of  God  ;  albeit  those  who  are  Rude  and 
Weaker  may  begin  at  a  Set-form  of  Prayer,  but  so  as 
they  be  not  Sluggish  in  stirring  up  in  themselves  (accord- 
ing to  their  daily  Necessities)  the  Spirit  of  tPrayer,  which 
is  given  to  all  the  Children  of  God  in  some  Measure  : 
To  which  Effect,  they  ought  to  be  more  fervent  and  fre- 
duent  in  secret  Prayer  to  God,  for  enabling  of  their 
Hearts  to  conceive,  and  their  Tongues  to  express  conve- 
nient Desires  to  God  for  their  Family.  And  in  the  mean 
Time,  for  their  greater  Encouragement,  let  these  Materials 
of  Prayer  be  meditated  upon,  and  made  Use  of,  as  follow- 
eth. 

"  Let  them  confess  to  God  how  unworthy  they  are  to 
"  come  in  his  Presence,  and  how  unfit  to  worship  His 
"  Majesty  ;  and  therefore  earnestly  ask  of  God  the  Spirit 
"  of  Prayer. 

"  They  are  to  confess  their  Sins,  and  the  Sins  of  the 
"  Family  ;  accusing,  judging  and  condemning  themselves 
"  for  them,  till  they  bring  their  Souls  to  some  Measure  of 
"  true  Humiliation. 

"  They  are  to  pour  out  their  Souls  to  God,  in  the  Name 
"  of  Christ,  by  the  Spirit,  for  Forgiveness  of  Sins  ;  for  Grace 
"  to  repent,  to  believe,  and  to  live  soberly,  righteously,  and 
"  godly  ;  and  that  they  may  serve  God  with  Joy  and  De- 
"  light,  walking  before  Him. 

"  They 


Directions  for  Family-  Worship.  85 

"  They  are  to  give  Thanks  to  God  for  his  many 
"  Mercies  to  his  People  and  to  themselves,  and  espe- 
"  cially  for  his  Love  in  Christ,  and  for  the  Light  of  the 
"  Gospel. 

"  They  are  to  pray  for  such  particular  'Benefits,  spiritual 
"  and  temporal,  as  they  stand  in  Need  of  for  the  Time 
"  (whether  it  be  Morning  or  Evening)  as  anent  Health  or 
"  Sickness,  Prosperity  or  Adversity. 

"  They  ought  to  pray  for  the  Kirk  of  Christ  in  general, 
"  for  all  the  Reformed  Kirks,  and  for  this  Kirk  in  particular, 
"  and  for  all  that  suffer  for  the  Name  of  Christ  ;  for  all  our 
"  Superiors,  the  King's  Majesty,  the  Queen,  and  their  Chil- 
"  dren ;  for  the  Magistrates,  Ministers,  and  whole  Body  of 
"  the  Congregation  whereof  they  are  Members,  as  well  for 
"  their  Neighbours  absent  in  their  lawful  Affairs,  as  for  those 
"  that  are  at  Home. 

"  The  Prayer  may  be  closed  with  an  earnest  Desire  that 
"  God  may  be  glorified  in  the  Coming  of  the  Kingdom  of 
"  his  Son,  and  in  doing  of  his  Will,  and  with  Assurance  that 
"  themselves  are  accepted,  and  what  they  have  asked  ac- 
"  cording  to  his  Will  shall  be  done." 

X.  These  Exercises  ought  to  be  performed  in  great  Sin- 
cerity, without  Delay,  laying  aside  all  Exercises  of  Worldly 
Business  or  Hindrances,  notwithstanding  the  Mockings  of 
Atheists,  and  profane  Men  ;  in  respect  of  the  great  Mercies 
of  God  to  this  Land,  and  of  his  severe  Corrections  where- 
with lately  he  hath  exercised  us.  And,  to  this  Effect,  Per- 
sons of  Eminency  (and  all  Elders  of  the  Kirk)  not  only 
ought  to  stir  up  themselves  and  Families  to  Diligence  here- 
in ;  but  also  to  concur  effectually,  that  in  all  other  Families, 
where  they  have  Power  and  Charge,  the  said  Exercises  be 
conscionably  performed. 

XL  Besides  the  ordinary  Duties  in  Families,  which  are 
above-mentioned,  extraordinary  Duties,  both  of  Humiliation 
and  Thanksgiving,  are  to  be  carefully  performed  in  Families, 
when  the  Lord  by  extraordinary  Occasions  (private  or  pub- 
lick)  calleth  for  them. 

XII.  Seeing  the  Word  of  God  requireth,  that  we  should 
consider  one  another  to  provoke  unto  Love  and  good 
Works  ;  therefore,  at  all  Times,  and  specially  in  this  Time, 
wherein  Profanity  abounds,  and  Mockers,  walking  after  their 
own  Lusts,  think  it  strange  that  others  run  not  with  them  to 

N  n  3  the 


86  Directions  for  Family-  Worship. 

the  same  Excess  of  Riot ;  Every  Member  of  this  Kirk  ought 
to  stir  up  themselves,  and  one  another,  to  the  Duties  of 
mutual  Edification,  by  Instruction,  Admonition,  Rebuke  ; 
exhorting  one  another  to  manifest  the  Grace  of  God,  in 
denying  Ungodliness  and  Worldly  Lusts,  and  in  living 
godly,  soberly,  and  righteously  in  this  present  World  ;  by 
comforting  the  Feeble-minded,  and  praying  with,  or  for 
another  :  Which  Duties  respectively  are  to  be  performed 
upon  special  Occasions  offered  by  Divine  Providence  ;  As 
namely,  when  under  any  Calamity,  Cross,  or  great  Diffi- 
culty, Council  or  Comfort  is  sought,  or  when  an  Offender 
is  to  be  reclaimed  by  private  Admonition,  and  if  that  be 
not  effectual,  by  joining  one  or  two  more  in  the  Admo- 
nition, according  to  the  Rule  of  Christ :  That  in  the 
Mouth  of  two  or  three  Witnesses  every  Word  may  be  es- 
tablished. 

XIII.  And,  because  it  is  not  given  to  every  one  to  speak 
a  Word  in  Season  to  a  wearied  or  distressed  Conscience,  It 
is  expedient,  that  a  Person  (in  that  Case)  finding  no  Ease 
after  the  Use  of  all  ordinary  Means,  private  and  publick, 
have  their  Address  to  their  own  Pastor,  or  some  experienced 
Christian  :  But  if  the  Person,  troubled  in  Conscience,  be  of 
that  Condition,  or  of  that  Sex,  that  Discretion,  Modesty,  or 
Fear  of  Scandal,  requireth  a  godly,  grave  and  secret  Friend, 
to  be  present  with  them  in  their  said  Address,  it  is  expedient 
that  such  a  Friend  be  present. 

XIV.  When  Persons  of  divers  Families  are  .brought  to- 
gether by  Divine  Providence,  being  abroad  upon  their  par- 
ticular Vocations,  or  any  necessary  Occasions ;  as  they 
would  have  the  Lord  their  God  with  them  whither-soever 
they  go,  they  ought  to  walk  with  God,  and  not  neglect  the 
Duties  of  Prayer  and  Thanksgiving,  but  take  Care  that  the 
same  be  performed  by  such  as  the  Company  shall  judge  fit- 
test. And  that  they  likewise  take  heed  that  no  corrupt 
Communication  proceed  out  of  their  Mouths,  but  that  which 
is  good,  to  the  Use  of  Edifying,  that  it  may  minister  Grace 
to  the  Hearers. 

The  Drift  and  Scope  of  all  these  Directions  is  no  other, 
but  that,  upon  the  one  Part,  the  Power  and  Practice  of  God- 
liness amongst  all  the  Ministers  and  Members  of  this  Kirk, 
according  to  their  several  Places  and  Vocations,  may  be 
cherished  and  advanced,  and  all  Impiety  and  Mocking  of 

religious 


Directions  for  Family-  Worship.  87 

religious  Exercises  suppressed  :  And  upon  the  other  Part, 
that,  under  the  Name  and  Pretext  of  religious  Exercises,  no 
such  Meetings  or  Practices  be  allowed,  as  are  apt  to  breed 
Error,  Scandal,  Schism,  Contempt,  or  Misregard  of  the  pub- 
lick  Ordinances  and  Ministers,  or  Neglect  of  the  Duties  of 
particular  Callings,  or  such  other  Evils  as  are  the  Works, 
not  of  the  Spirit,  but  of  the  Flesh,  and  are  contrary  to  Truth 
and  Peace. 

N  n  4  A.     KER. 


FINIS. 


■Is1 


